Potential for development of local rice genetic resources into excellent varieties in Merangin regency, Jambi province

Abstract

Local rice is one of the genetic resources that are quite diverse and is found in low, medium and high altitudes, both in the dry land, pond swamps and tidal swamps, has properties resistant / tolerant to biotic and abiotic checks that occur in various agroecosystems. The purpose of the activity is to characterize the genetic resources of local rice Merangin Jambi Province. The activities were held in The District of Tabir and Jangkat District of Merangin Regency in 2021. The method used is to survey by taking data directly to the field and interviewing farmers and field officers. The data collected includes an agronomic and morphological character under the guidelines of the Rice Plant Characterization and Evaluation System Guidelines and the General Guidelines for The Preparation of Food Crop Variety Description (PPVT). Characterization is carried out on local rice which is predominantly consumed and developed in lowlands and highlands and has production potential (3.5-4.5 tons/ha) in Merangin Regency. Local rice can be used as a superior variety because it has good rice quality and good rice taste according to the tastes of local consumers. The genetic resources of local rice stings, Lai and Sungkai in Merangin Regency, have the potential to be released as a national superior variety.