Rice is an essential food source for more than 50% of the world’s population. Heat and drought stress are important factors limiting rice production exacerbated by the impending threat of climate change. Stress tolerant cultivars are needed to expand rice production. Drought tolerant varieties have been developed but in narrow genetic backgrounds characterized only in simulated growing conditions. Heat- and drought-tolerant rice varieties are under development by UA researchers under real-world conditions in Arizona Applications: Varieties that can tolerate heat and drought in Arizona and other challenging parts of the world
Advantages: High yielding heat - and drought - tolerant varieties therefore providing preparedness for private change.