Introduction and Utilization of INGER Rice Germplasm in China

The International Network for Genetic Evaluation of Rice (INGER) is a global partnershipbetween international and national agricultural research institutions. INGER focuses onworldwide exchange, evaluation and utilization of improved varieties and elite breedinglines of rice. China has actively participated in the activities of INGER since 1980.During the pasted years, 26500 INGER entries with diversity genetic background have beenintroduced and evaluated by Chinese scientists. Among of them, 37 commercial varietiesdirectly from elite INGER entries and 27 rice hybrids using INGER lines as their restorerlines/donors have been released to farmers in China. About 1900 INGER entries wereindirectly utilized as cross parents or pest resistant donors in various national andprovincial rice breeding programs. Based on the incomplete statistics, there were 14.5million cumulated hectares planting these varieties and hybrids, from which 5.44 MT ofincreased rough rice has been received by farmers. INGER accelerates the transfer ofadapted varieties and hybrids to farmers, and increases the diversity of rice germplasmin cultivation. Therefore, INGER cooperation has made great benefit both in economy andsociety in China.