Transforming Rice Breeding: Re-Designing the Irrigated Breeding Pipeline at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

Rice breeding of inbred varieties in the public sector has hardly changed in decades. This has been a cause for concern given that the current rate of yield improvement from new varieties is not considered to be adequate to meet future global demands for rice. In this article, we describe major changes to the irrigated breeding program and former plant breeding division at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) headquarters by incorporating modern concepts in plant breeding and practices used in the private sector. These activities were conducted primarily within a five-year research program called “Transforming Rice Breeding” funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. These changes were implemented with the specific objectives to increase the rate of genetic gain for yield and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of breeding operations. Key changes in the breeding program included implementing rapid generation advance, earlier multi-location trials, increased selection pressure for yield, an increase use of molecular breeding, and using variety product profiles. Regarding breeding operations, there was a concerted effort to streamline all processes and optimize logistics in order to make breeding like a “factory production line”. The Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology Division was re-organised into variety pipelines and trait research teams, with cross-cutting services to support all functions. Considerable benefits and dramatic improvements in efficiency were realized, that are expected to lead to a higher rate of genetic gain for yield in rice. These experiences are also highly relevant to many public sector plant breeding programs, especially in developing countries.