EL SILVERIO: A NEW RICE CULTIVAR FOR THE TROPICAL AREAS OF MEXICO

Abstract

The Silverio is a medium grain variety with 10% of “chalkiness” and highly versatile, it can be grown under rainfed conditions or rainfed with auxiliary irrigation in the south-east humid tropic (Veracruz, Oaxaca, Tabasco, Campeche and Chiapas) and sub-humid northeast (Tamaulipas), also under irrigation in the Pacific dry tropic (Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima and Michoacán). Its average yield potential is around 6 t ha-1 under rainfed conditions, of 7 t ha-1 in rainfed with auxiliary irrigation and 8 t ha-1 under irrigation. Its milling quality is 55% of polished whole grain over palay. The growing cycle of the new variety El Silverio, is 130 days of seed germination to grain maturity in Spring-Summer and 135 days in Autumn- Winter; the plant type is compact with a height of 95 cm and therefore is resistant to lodging disease, it is also moderately tolerant to drought, resistant to shattering and tolerant to diseases such as “rice blast fungus” (Magnaporthe grisea) called before (Pyricularia oryzae), “brown leaf spot” (Helminthosporium oryzae) and rice scald (Monographella albescens). Regarding to insect pests, it is tolerant to mechanical damage caused by the “sogata” planthopper Tagosodes orizicolus. El Silverio is the second variety selected of Milagro Filipino (IR8) in Mexico; it has been recorded in the National Catalogue of Plants Varieties (CNVV for its spanish acronym) with the number: ARZ015-260210.