What if the secret needed to develop rice that can survive floods, mature earlier, and provide better nutrition has been hiding in traditional rice varieties (TRVs) all along? That is what the 1,001 Rice Genomes (1k1RG) Program seeks to discover.
Led by Filipino scientists from the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), the pioneering research initiative is studying the rich genetic diversity of the country’s TRVs to identify traits that can help farmers face current and future agricultural challenges.
Rice DNA works like an instructional manual. Written within it are clues that determine whether a variety can tolerate flooding, withstand harsh environmental conditions, mature earlier, or contain higher levels of nutrients. Through the 1k1RG Program, researchers are reading these genetic instructions to find traits that can be used in developing improved rice varieties.
Among the promising findings are early-maturing TRVs, a valuable trait for farmers in areas exposed to typhoons, floods, and droughts. Early-maturing varieties allow farmers to harvest sooner, reducing the risk of crop losses when extreme weather strikes.
Researchers identified Dagi, Kulu, and Buluhan as among the TRVs that showed early maturity across different growing seasons. These varieties offer promising genetic resources for breeding future rice varieties that can help farmers manage weather-related risks.
The program also identified Pandan, Inumay, Ikugan, and Burik as TRVs with excellent germination even under flooded conditions.
This trait is particularly important as extreme weather events become more frequent and as more farmers consider direct-seeded rice systems, where seeds are sown directly in the field instead of being transplanted. Varieties that can germinate under flooded conditions may help improve crop establishment in flood-prone areas.
Nutrition is another key focus of the program.
Amid continuing concerns over micronutrient deficiencies, scientists are studying TRVs that naturally contain higher levels of essential nutrients such as iron and zinc, as well as varieties with better protein content. These efforts aim to support not only rice productivity and grain quality, but also better nutrition and public health.
Another breakthrough of the 1k1RG Program is the sequencing of Dinorado, a traditional Philippine rice variety prized for its excellent eating quality and nutrition properties. By generating its complete genetic map, researchers are establishing a valuable reference that can support rice breeding efforts.
Dr. Loida M. Perez, 1k1RG project lead, said one of the program’s strengths is partnership.
She said the two projects under the Philippine Rice Genomics initiative are independently funded by the DA-National Rice Program and the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, but are interdependent in generating innovations and delivering results. .
Perez described the initiative as “paglikha at pagbuklod,” referring to the creation of new knowledge through innovation and the bringing together of institutions, expertise, and resources through collaboration.
She added that the program shows how genomics can help address agricultural and nutritional challenges while preserving the country’s rice heritage.
“It unlocks the hidden potential of traditional rice varieties and contributes to building a more resilient food system and a healthier society for future generations,” Perez said.
Presented during the recent Crop Science Society of the Philippines Scientific Conference 2026 in Clark, Pampanga, these findings exemplify the conference theme, “Innovation and Collaboration in Crop Science for a Sustainable Food System and Healthy Society.”
