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Rice Research Program
Four projects are currently being implemented in Sudan. These are:
1. Rice Germplasm in Sudan:
Rice germplasm was first introduced in Sudan in 1905. Trials have then been conducted in Equatoria, Bahr El Ghazal and Upper Nile. Proper screening of hundreds of cultivars for adaptability, high yields, tolerance to stress etc. were conducted at Aweil Rice Scheme, Yambio, Tozi, Gezira and Khashm El Girba Research Stations. Variety evaluation was also undertaken at Um Takal Rice Pilot Farm near El Dueim.Three rice varieties namely 1369, C 29 and Siam 29 were recommended for Aweil Rice Scheme. One variety IR2053-206-1-3-6 bred by IRRI was released and recommended for Gezira Agricultural Scheme. For the White Nile Rice Project at Abu Gassaba the Japanese from JICA recommended the varieties IR24, IR36, and IR28. Due to long break in rice research work, all the rice germplasm collections made have been lost because of lack of proper storage facility and also no regular rice seed planting to maintain the seed viability. However it was decided to reactivate the rice research work in 2001 and accordingly 214 rice varieties were received for this purpose. These comprise 47 upland, 74 rainfed lowland, 48 irrigated and 45 mangrove swamp rice varieties.
2. Rice Screening Nursery for Cold:
Irrigated rice occupies most of the land area planted to rice in the world. Its late maturing varieties give the highest rice yields. Because of the long growth period of these varieties, the reproductive phase-flowering, grain filling and maturity occur in the cool season. Cold affects the reproductive phase in rice. Hence the need to screen and identify cold tolerant rice lines for Sudan conditions. To achieve this objective genotypes selected by NARS and WARDA are being evaluated at various locations for their tolerance to cold.3. Upland and Rainfed Lowland Rice Screening for Drought:
Drought is one of the major constraints in upland and rainfed lowland rice cultivation. Due to lack of drought resistant rainfed lowland lines, upland varieties are being grown in drought prone ecological zones in many countries of the world. They yield less than lowland rainfed varieties. Considering the serious effects of drought on rice yields, attempts are being made to screen introduced exotic lines and identify drought resistant lines for the upland and rainfed lowland eco-zones of Sudan. Forty six introduced exotic upland and rainfed lines are being evaluated at Gezira, Damazin and Juba.4. Upland Rainfed Irrigated Swampy Rice Yield Trials:
Rice can be grown under different environmental conditions-upland or floating/ deep water, also as irrigated or rainfed lowland. In Sudan different ecological zones exist which allow cultivation of different rice varieties. This is not utilized because of lack of appropriate varieties for these conditions. Considering the different eco-zones in Sudan 185 introduced exotic rice lines are being tested at Gezira, Kosti, Damazin and Juba.
