Recanvassing of Select Wild Rice (Oryza spp.) in the Philippines

Wild rice relatives (WRRs) have been used by breeders to draw genes needed to develop varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases and can adapt to adverse environments, especially to climate change. This study was conducted to reassess the presence of WRRs in their natural habitats. A total of 14 WRR were collected: three samples of O. meyeriana, nine samples of O. minuta, and two samples of O. rufipogon from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. In comparison with previous recollection and recanvassing mission and deposited WRR at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Genetic Resources Center (GRC), we see the existence of O. meyeriana population in new sites in Salong and Magballo, Kabankalan in Negros Occidental, Visayas while O. minuta confirms previously identified natural habitat in Pangil, Laguna in Luzon; however, new sites were identified in Magballo, Kabankalan, Negros Occidental. O. rufipogon populations were still found in Lake Apo, as previously reported but limited publication on the populations found in Lake Napalit – both in Bukidnon, Mindanao. Further study is needed to characterize the existing WRRs and expand the recanvassing sites to develop a more holistic conservation program in support to pre-breeding programs