International Rice Genebank Dashboard
Overview
The International Rice Genebank (IRG) at IRRI is the world’s largest repository of rice genetic diversity. Since 1962, IRRI through the IRG, has maintained the collection, holding it in the trust of the rice producing and rice consuming nations of the world. This dashboard gives information about the collection, distribution, and impact of the IRG.
What's in the IRG Collections?
The IRG collection comprises Asian (Oryza sativa) and African cultivated (Oryza glaberrima) rice, wild species and other related genera. The germplasm came from collecting missions from all over the world: donations from different countries or received for safety duplicate storage from national programs. With support from different funding agencies, IRRI staff, in coordination with national program personnel, exerted significant efforts to collect materials from under-explored areas in South and Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Central America and Northern Australia. Up to this day, the IRG still conserves and maintains these precious materials received 60 years ago.
Who uses the IRG germplasm?
Genetic resources conserved at IRG are utilized by scientists and researchers within and outside the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) system. Recipients of IRG materials reside in different nations across the world. Research institutes, academic institutions or universities, national programs, non-government organizations, private companies, farmers and individuals, and national genebanks are continuously requesting and utilizing the germplasm conserved by IRG.
Why users want germplasms?
The IRG ensures the conservation, evaluation and characterization, and continuous availability of genetic resources for rice improvement and research purposes. Genetic diversity is the foundation of genetic improvement of crops. Thus, the IRG collection plays an important role as provider of germplasm for discovering new genes and traits that will help scientists and breeders produce rice varieties that are high yielding, with good eating quality and more resilient to biotic and abiotic stresses.
What kind of germplasms are shared?
The IRG has been distributing traditional varieties, breeding or inbred lines, improved varieties and wild species that contain many useful traits for rice improvement. Many accessions have tolerance to various stresses that crops are facing now. These are valuable materials in rice breeding and biotechnology. Genetic stocks used in genotyping are also available in the genebank and shared with requestors.
