Conservation of rice genetic resources: the role of the International Rice Genebank at IRRI

Rice genetic resources, comprising landrace varieties, modern and obsolete varieties, genetic stocks, breeding lines, and the wild rices, are the basis of world food security. The International Rice Genebank at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines conserves the largest and most diverse collection of rice germplasm. The facilities of the genebank ensure the long-term preservation of this important diversity. In field research, factors that affect long-term viability of rice seeds have been identified, leading to the introduction of modified practices for germplasm multiplication and regeneration. The value of conserved germplasm can be assessed in terms of useful traits for rice breeding and the economic impact that germplasm utilization has on rice production and productivity. The application of molecular markers is changing perspectives on germplasm management. International policies affecting access to and use of rice germplasm are discussed.