What variety is WAB181-18 upland rice?

WAB181-18 upland rice is a new upland rice line developed by the West Africa Rice Development Association and stabilized in 1997. In the spring of 1998, it was distributed to relevant countries by the Upland Rice Group of the International Rice Research Institute, and the International Upland Rice Trial and Observation Nursery established at Xinghua Company undertook the trial and observation task. The characteristics and main advantages of this variety are:

1. Extremely early maturing. Sown on May 9, harvested on August 14, with a growth period of 97 days. Trial and observation continued in 1999, sown on May 2, harvested on August 6, with a total growth period still of 97 days, making it the earliest-maturing variety among more than 280 upland rice varieties provided by 15 countries.

2. Large panicles with many grains. In the trial observation, the panicle length was 23 cm and the total number of grains per panicle was 178. In the continued trial observation in 1999, the panicle length was 27 cm and the total number of grains per panicle was 197. The grains are relatively large, with a 1000-grain weight of 27-28 grams. The hull has an extremely dark appearance, close to red, distinctive and impossible to counterfeit.

3. Relatively high yield. Generally about 350 kg per 667 sq m (1 mu), and more than 400 kg under high-yield conditions. This is rare for an extremely early-maturing variety. When planted in the north, the growth period is extended and the yield will certainly increase, which remains to be verified by northern users.

4. Drought tolerant and disease resistant. After three years of trial planting, observation and propagation, it has shown strong drought tolerance and good disease resistance, and no common diseases such as rice blast have occurred.

5. Grains are thick and long. Although it is a large-grain variety, the white core and white belly are small, the rice quality is highly translucent, and the appearance and quality of the rice are excellent.

6. Dwarf stems and no lodging. After three years of trial planting and propagation, the plant heights were 105 cm, 97 cm and 92 cm respectively, with an average plant height of 98 cm. It does not lodge, has thick and strong stems, upright leaves and good yield potential.

As is well known, a short growth period is the greatest advantage of upland (dryland) rice, as it can avoid the peak drought period and reduce the total amount of irrigation water. Therefore, WAB181-18 upland rice is a new upland rice line worth introducing and developing. The seeding rate per 667 sq m is 3-4 kg.