November 23, 2024 | 08:25 GMT +7

  • Click to copy
Monday- 16:08, 25/10/2021

To acquire the hybrid rice ‘scripture’

(VAN) In the early 90s, Dr. Nguyen Thi Tram was among the first five Vietnamese sent by the state to China to study hybrid rice techniques.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Tram, Hero of Labor, People's Teacher, Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA).

Dr. Nguyen Thi Tram, Hero of Labor, People's Teacher, Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA).

Over the past few years, Vietnam’s hybrid rice has acquired high adaptability and yield even in harsh-conditions regions such as Northern Midlands and Mountains and the Northern Central.

Along with the expansion of cultivation acreages, the structure of hybrid rice varieties also experiences strong development and becomes more varied and diverse, fundamentally meeting the requirements of many ecological zones with different climatic conditions and farming practices.

The varieties are of high quality with many strong traits, resilient to pests, diseases and other external conditions so farmers have many suitable options to choose from and put into production. A lot of hybrid rice varieties have been officially recognized including those selected and created by domestic establishments such as VL20, TH33, TH34, TH72,…

During winter-spring crops, most of the varieties are suitable and safe for sowing, bringing high yields. In the early crops (summer-autumn crops), hybrid rice has affirmed its position on the rice fields of northern provinces as well as the South Central Coast thanks to the features of short duration (90-100 days), high productivity and low susceptibility to leaf blight which make it compatible with the late spring/early crops structure.

Owning to the rich structure, adaptive to many ecological zones, the productivity of hybrid rice is on a constant rise. Reality through the years has shown that hybrid rice has a 10 - 12% higher yield than purebred rice under the same growing conditions. Many areas of hybrid rice reach 9 - 10 tons/ha, some places even reach the highest of 11-14 tons/ha. Hybrid rice has contributed to stabilizing social security and narrowing the development gap between regions.

In the early 90s, Dr. Nguyen Thi Tram, Hero of Labor, People's Teacher, Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA), were among the first five Vietnamese sent by the state to Hunan, China to study hybrid rice techniques. Prof. Yuan Long Ping - the father of hybrid rice - directly taught this class.

The year 1992 was the first time she had access to hybrid rice technology. Back then, FAO had a support program for Vietnam so that the country could approach hybrid rice technology from China. Within the program, a group was established to study in China. Her group consisted of five members. Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Cong Tan, who was the Minister of Agriculture at that time, assigned five people from five agencies. She was VNUA’s representative, carrying the mission to later return to teach and train agricultural technicians on hybrid rice.

Fortunately, this was the first class so only five Vietnamese and one Indian could attend. China is assigned by FAO, and therefore FAO held control of the program. Teacher Yuan Long Ping had written a curriculum to properly convey his knowledge to them. He directly gave lessons on three topics. This was an intensive class, with three topics in one whole pack, so he gave them a summary of the hybrid rice research and development situation in China, hybrid rice development strategy following three systems: the three-line system, two-line system, and one-line system. It was so fascinating to listen to. And in the final lesson he proposed a strategy to develop “super rice” and “super hybrid rice”. He gave them those three great lectures, and the others were from the staff of Hunan Hybrid Rice Research Centre (HHRRC).

After the study trip, apart from gaining knowledge through the curriculum, the group also learned a lot of things that they didn't teach, like the creation of seed in the fields, how it could be done, how should we observe the process,… Many old cadres from Chinese institutes and schools came to the centre to study, so they were able to learn a lot of things there.

In general, the heterosis of hybrid rice, as we all know, is portraited in many aspects. In the beginning we exploited hybrid vigor in the direction of yield improvement and shortening of growth time. The next generation had its tolerance heightened specifically towards blight, against planthoppers, and later rice blast. And the following generation that we're after will be of high productivity, yield and tolerance.

We are striving to seek cooperation with Cuong Tan Co., Ltd in order to discover the perfect time for the crop, GA3 spraying methods, and the path to mechanization in hybrid seed production. The goal is to further reduce the price, raise competitiveness, expand the planting acreage and lessen foreign importation.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Tram, Hero of Labor, People's Teacher, VNUA

Author: VAN's reporters

Translated by Samuel Pham

Ukrainian poultry farmer reveals plan of huge investments in Slovakia

Ukrainian poultry farmer reveals plan of huge investments in Slovakia

(VAN) EU Poultry, a Slovak poultry processor owned by Ukrainian businessman Dmytro Borodavka, has rolled out plans to invest almost €50 million into capacity expansion in the country.

Greenhouse investment for Moc Chau: If done, must be substantial

Greenhouse investment for Moc Chau: If done, must be substantial

(VAN) Farmers in Moc Chau are capable of high-tech agricultural production. Therefore, any support for investing in net houses and greenhouses should be carried out on a large scale.

Owner of Enjoy Coffee collaborates with local farmers for organic coffee production

Owner of Enjoy Coffee collaborates with local farmers for organic coffee production

(VAN) "Our goal is to collaborate with farmers in cultivating organic coffee and delivering high-quality products with a distinct flavor to our customers."

Favorable conditions for Moc Chau to develop temperate vegetables and fruits

Favorable conditions for Moc Chau to develop temperate vegetables and fruits

(VAN) The formation of a concentrated vegetable production area offers significant benefits, including reducing import of certain vegetables from China.

Prospects for soil-free vegetable growing model

Prospects for soil-free vegetable growing model

(VAN) A key feature of these models is the use of Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) recirculating irrigation technology, which is fully automated.

Organic vegetables production thanks to healthy seedlings and smart greenhouses

Organic vegetables production thanks to healthy seedlings and smart greenhouses

(VAN) At 53 years old, Mr. Ha Van Tien is determined to develop standardized greenhouses to supply organic vegetables and fruits for the clean agricultural products market.

Clean feed boosts poultry nutrition, gut health, and performance

Clean feed boosts poultry nutrition, gut health, and performance

(VAN) Feed isn’t just fuel for poultry; it’s the foundation of health and growth. Accounting for up to 70% of production costs, feed quality directly impacts gut health, nutrient absorption, and feed efficiency.

Read more