NERICA
NERICA (New Rice for Africa)
Scientific name: Oryza glaberrima
Taxonomic Position According to Cronquist (1981)
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Subclass | Commelinidae
|
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Oryza |
| Species | O. glaberrima |
General Features
The NERICA was developed by the crossing O. glaberrima and O. sativa. Embryo rescue was used for the success of different species crossing. The new rice display heterosis the phenomenon in which the progeny of two genetically different parents.
Major characteristics of NERICA:
- Contains 2% more protein than their African or Asian parents.
- They are taller than most of the rice.
- Tolerant to pest and water stress.