New rice variety
Mestiso 7 launched

SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ, Nueva Ecija. — Another rice variety was introduced during the recently concluded 20th National Rice R&D Conference, sponsored by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) here.

The introduction of Mestiso 7 brought to seven the number of rice varieties developed over the past decade by the rice research system, primarily involving the Department of Agriculture, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and PhilRice.

These varieties, Mestiso 1 to 7 are said to have wide adaptability, high yield, and good eating quality. They were named after a river (Mestiso) in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

More than a decade ago, the rice research sector began naming irrigated, lowland varieties after rivers and those suited to rainfed and upland ecosystems after mountains.

The conference, which was attended by about 1,600 farmers from across the country, together with rice scientists and researchers of R&D agencies (including DA and IRRI), officials of local government units, nongovernment organizations, and state colleges and universities, was also graced by Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap.

Yap enjoined the farmers to adopt the modern rice technologies developed by researchers to improve their lives as the Arroyo administration continues to extend more support to the farming sector.

PhilRice officials and scientists headed by Executive Director Leocadio S. Sebastian and Deputy Executive Director Ronilo Beronio also briefed the farmers on the technologies developed by PhilRice and IRRI, many of which are now being commercialized.

According to Dr. Manuel Gaspar of PhilRice, national hybrid rice seed coordinator, Mestiso 7 (official name: NSIC Rcl36; NSIC stands for National Seed Industry Council) is an alternative for Mestiso 3 during wet season because of its tolerance to pests and diseases, especially in areas without history of tungro infestation. "Aside from its greater tillering ability and good milling and eating quality, Mestiso 7 has fairly high consumer acceptability in both raw and cooked forms compared to Mestiso 3," he said.