International: A new hybrid rice variety has been developed through joint research by Wuhan University in China and the University of the Punjab in Pakistan. The newly developed variety is now moving toward large-scale commercial use in Pakistan.

According to the University of the Punjab, the Honglian-type hybrid rice has been developed in Pakistan for the first time and registered under the name PU-786. Prior to its commercialization in March, the variety underwent trial cultivation across four provinces, marking its transition from laboratory research to market application.

Professor Muhammad Ashfaq, the project’s lead researcher from the University of the Punjab, noted that before the development of PU-786, Pakistan’s rice sector faced multiple challenges, including low productivity, vulnerability to pests, climate stress, and limited competitiveness in export markets. Farmers also struggled with inconsistent yields and high production costs, which constrained the sector’s potential.

“PU-786 stands out in terms of productivity, with yields reaching up to 5.6 metric tons per acre. It is expected to meet quality standards for both domestic consumption and export markets,” he said. He added that the new variety not only improves output but also enhances grain quality and overall crop performance.

The collaboration between the two countries began in 2018, when a research team from Wuhan University, led by Professor Chu Renshan of the College of Life Sciences, partnered with the University of the Punjab. In 2021, a joint research laboratory was established in Luotian, Huanggang, in China’s Hubei Province, institutionalizing bilateral cooperation. Since then, the project has progressed through breeding, regional trials, registration, and commercialization.

Built on China’s long-standing research expertise, the hybrid variety was developed through sustained collaborative efforts. Professor Chu explained that Honglian-type hybrid rice has been studied at Wuhan University for over a decade. The variety is known for its adaptability, strong resistance, stable seed production, efficient use of nitrogen fertilizers, and high yield with excellent grain quality.

“This rice has been widely cultivated in the Yangtze River basin in China and has contributed to agricultural development in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Africa,” Chu added.

Information and photos: China Daily.