IR–64 Rice

A high-yielding variety developed in 1960s and 1970s at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). It is benefited to farmers and consumers by increased yield and reduced cost. Most of these varieties are developed in 1980s. The IRRI-developed, indica variety of IR 64, was released in Philippines. It's high yield, early maturity, disease resistance, excellent cooked rice quality made this rice attractive than other available varieties. These merits resulted in its rapid spread and cultivation on over 10 million hectares in the two decades, after it was released. It has intermediate amylose and has good taste. It is resistant to blast, bacterial blight diseases and to Brown Plant Hopper. Because of its success it has been used extensively in scientific studies and has been well-characterized genetically. Many valuable genes have been introduced into IR 64 through backcross breeding and it has been used in thousands of crosses. Continued basic studies on IR 64 and related varieties helped in unraveling the complex genetic control of yield and other desirable traits that are prized by rice farmers and consumers.