Abstract

The immense potential of the lowlands in Burkina Faso for durable intensification of rice cropping have not been realised due to biotic and abiotic stress constraints.To this end, the rice research program in Burkina Faso evaluated 16 intra-and inter-specific lowland progenies in 2002 and 2003. The aim of the study is to introduce new lowland NERICAs through a participatory approach and to identify ideotypes that are adapted to lowland conditions. Variability was found among the 16 rice varieties with respect to the 9 variables that were evaluated. A principal components plot and clustering analysis technique were used to group 16 intra-and inter-specific lowland progenies. The inter-specific varieties formed the most interesting group and showed a better capacity for adaptation to the diversity of lowlands. They had good yields, sometimes higher than those of intra-specific varieties and check. Thus, the results obtained were quite satisfactory as the varieties possess good agronomic traits that are well adapted to intensified lowland rice farming. The recent naming of some of these inter-specific varieties as NERICA-L (New Rice for Africa Lowland) by Africa Rice Center confirmed their status. Thus from this study, a new set of inter-specific lines that are adapted to lowland conditions and which the national research programs in Burkina Faso can use in various tests for satisfying farmers’ needs are discussed.

Key words: Hybridisation, inter-specific, insect, blast, NERICA, Oryza glaberrima, Oryza sativa, sterility, yield.