Genetic Improvement is the flagship of research at FLAR. This work is carried out in close collaboration with the internal programs of the members of each country. Emphasis is placed on the development of improved germplasm with favorable characteristics for rice production in the tropical and temperate zones of Latin America and the Caribbean, which is selected and advanced in local conditions as high-value genetic material and as new varieties that impact the production, processing, marketing, and consumption of rice.

The germplasm is selected for characteristics of interest to FLAR and its members such as yield, resistance to Pyricularia, resistance to the White Leaf virus, milling quality, grain appearance, and culinary quality, among others. The best lines selected by FLAR researchers are sent to member countries to continue their evaluation and selection process. FLAR members are responsible for the development of varieties and the release of seeds to farmers

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Genetic Improvement Processes