Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) Genebank
摘要
Rice security is vital for overall food security in Bangladesh. Modern rice research in the country began in the 1960s. The Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), a leader in rice research in Bangladesh, works with rice from the laboratory to farmers’ fields to improve rice production through the discovery of new technologies. Since 1974, BRRI has systematically conserved rice germplasm through its gene bank, which safeguards a wide range of rice genetic resources including landraces, cultivars, modern and obsolete varieties, breeding lines, genetic stocks, and wild species. These resources have been used effectively to increase rice productivity. To date, the gene bank conserves 9006 accessions, each holding unique genetic traits with immense potential to address the impacts of climate change and contribute to the fight against global hunger. However, these valuable genetic resources are increasingly threatened by genetic erosion. By protecting this germplasm, the BRRI Genebank plays a critical role in ensuring food security and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on zero hunger, poverty alleviation, and improved health. Since Bangladesh’s independence, rice production has increased dramatically—from approximately 11 million tons in 1971–7192 to around 36.6 million tons in 2019–2020. This growth has largely resulted from the application of modern rice research, made possible by the genetic diversity conserved in the BRRI Genebank. The transformation from a nation once labeled a “Bottomless Basket” to one now considered a “Full of Food Basket” highlights the vital contribution of the gene bank to national food security. The conservation and use of rice genetic resources at BRRI are essential for developing improved rice varieties, ultimately boosting production and supporting efforts to reduce hunger and poverty. The primary mission of the BRRI Genebank is to ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of rice genetic materials to support continuous genetic enhancement. This chapter explores the gene bank’s history, mission, and strategies, along with its methods for conservation, multiplication, regeneration, characterization, evaluation, and use of rice germplasm. It also reviews the collection, preservation, and management practices supporting ongoing rice improvement programs.