China has successfully developed a rice variety that can withstand both extreme heat and cold. The new variety, known as 'Ji 233S,' has demonstrated a seed yield rate exceeding 80% even in harsh cold environments, raising hopes for a breakthrough in addressing climate change and abnormal weather patterns.
The rice variety was jointly developed by research institutions including the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China Agricultural University, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. According to the China Science Daily, the variety and its hybrid combinations have shown excellent results in test cultivation in high-altitude areas of Yunnan Province.
The research team began breeding rice that could endure both extreme heat and cold in 2003. Using a foundational line known as C815S, which possesses dual resistance, they combined various effective genes to develop 'Ji 233S' after more than 20 years of research. This line passed a technical evaluation in Guangdong Province earlier this year.
Recent field evaluations conducted at four test sites located at altitudes of 1,739 to 2,403 meters in Yunnan Province highlighted the variety's cold resistance. Meteorological data collected at the sites indicated that extreme cold persisted for 40 to 50 days. The seed yield rates for 'Ji 233S' and its hybrid combinations ranged from 76.4% to 85.7%, significantly higher than that of control varieties. Notably, some combinations exceeded an 80% yield rate even under extreme cold conditions.
The variety also performed well in heat resistance evaluations. The yield rates for nine hybrid combinations utilizing 'Ji 233S' ranged from 86.1% to 94.2%, surpassing both heat-resistant and heat-sensitive control varieties. The evaluation results have been verified by five external testing institutions.
Chief scientist Tang Wenbang stated, "We have established an innovative system that encompasses gene discovery, genetic resource development, variety breeding, and demonstration cultivation. In light of the increasing frequency of abnormal weather, we plan to provide new varieties and cultivation techniques to support rice production in China."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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