EVOLUTION OF CROPS:

RICE
What is
Rice?
Rice is one of the oldest cultivated crop. It is a
seed of a semi-aquatic grass (Oryza sativa) that is cultivated
extensively in warm climates in many countries, including the
United States, for its edible grain. It is a staple food
throughout the world. Rice is also a highly nutritious food. It
is a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy for
the body. Rice is low in fat and contains essential vitamins
and minerals, including vitamin B, iron, and magnesium. Due
to its high caloric value and ability to sustain large
populations, rice plays a crucial role in food security. Rice
holds significant cultural importance in many societies. It is a
staple in traditional meals and is often associated with
cultural celebrations and rituals. In some cultures, rice is
considered a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and good fortune.
 1. Flag leaf: The flag leaf is the uppermost leaf of the rice
Parts Of Rice plant. It is called the flag leaf because it is usually the first
leaf to emerge and it "flags" or droops over the rest of the
plant.
2. Branch: A branch in a rice plant refers to a smaller stem
that grows out from the main stem. It can bear leaves,
flowers, or grains. Branches help in distributing nutrients
and water throughout the plant.
3. Secondary branch: A secondary branch is a smaller
branch that grows out from a primary branch. It further
enhances the distribution of nutrients and water within the
rice plant.
4. Main panicle axis: The main panicle axis is the central
stalk or stem of the rice plant's panicle. The panicle is the
flowering structure of the rice plant that contains multiple
spikelets. The main panicle axis provides support to the
spikelets and helps in their development.
5. Panicle base: The panicle base is the lower part of the
main panicle axis where the panicle attaches to the stem of
the rice plant. It serves as the point of connection between
the panicle and the rest of the plant.
6. Pedicel: A pedicel is a small stalk that attaches the
spikelet to the main panicle axis. It supports the spikelet
and allows for its movement and development.
7. Spikelet: A spikelet is the basic unit of the rice
inflorescence or panicle. It consists of one or more florets
enclosed by glumes (leaf-like structures). Each floret can
potentially develop into a rice grain.
Center Of Origin Geographic Distribution of Rice:

■ Oryza sativa rice was first domesticated in the Yangtze River basin in China Most of the world’s rice is grown in tropics which
13,500 to 8,200 years ago. Cultivation, migration and trade spread rice around include countries of South and South East Asia, West Africa,
the world—first to much of east Asia, and then further abroad, and eventually to Central and South America. About 90% of the world crop lands
the Americas as part of the Columbian exchange. The now less common and production of this crop is concentrated in Asia, about 3% of
Oryza glaberrima rice was independently domesticated in Africa around 3,000 the areas under rice are in Africa (2.2% of world rice grain
years ago. Other wild rice species have also been cultivated in different production), 6% in America (6% of world production). Only 1% of
geographies, such as in the Americas. world rice crop land is found in Europe. The average productivity
of rice is the highest in Egypt i.e., 9.84 t/ha as against world’s
average of 4.05 t/ha.
Center Of Diversity Among the various rice growing countries of the world, India has
the largest area under rice and in case of production it stands
■ The center of diversity of the rice plant Oryza sativa is located in the Asia- next to China. In India, rice is the most important and extensively
Pacific region, specifically in the countries of China, India, Indonesia, grown food crop, occupying about 43 million ha of land.
Bangladesh, and Myanmar. These regions have a rich history of rice cultivation
and are home to numerous traditional rice varieties. In China, the Yangtze River ■ Asia: Japan and Korea.
valley is considered one of the centers of diversity for Oryza sativa. India, being ■ South and Southeast
one of the largest rice-producing countries, also has a significant contribution to ■ Asia: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia,
the genetic diversity of rice. Indonesia, with its diverse agroclimatic conditions, Pakistan, Philippines, and Vietnam.
has a wide range of rice varieties. Bangladesh and Myanmar also have a ■ Rest of the world: widespread in North and
diverse collection of traditional rice landraces. South America.

The center of diversity is important because it contains a wide range of genetic

The rice plant, scientifically known as Oryza sativa, has a rich history with The rice plant, Oryza sativa, has undergone several morphological
a long line of ancestors. The wild ancestor of cultivated rice is believed to changes from its early domestication to modern cultivated varieties.
be either Oryza rufipogon or Oryza nivara, both of which are wild grass Here are some of the key changes:
species native to Asia. These wild species are still found today in various
regions, particularly in Southeast Asia. The domestication of rice is 1. Plant Height: Traditional rice varieties were generally tall, with
estimated to have occurred around 10,000 to 14,000 years ago in the long stalks that were prone to lodging (falling over) under the
Yangtze River basin in China. Over time, humans selectively bred and weight of the grains. To address this issue, breeders have
cultivated rice plants with desirable traits, leading to the development of developed shorter and sturdier varieties through selective
different rice varieties and subspecies. It's fascinating to explore the breeding. These shorter varieties are less susceptible to lodging
evolutionary journey of the rice plant and the impact it has had on human and have higher grain yields.
civilization. 2. Tillering Capacity: Tillers are the side shoots that emerge from
the main stem of the rice plant. Traditional varieties typically had
fewer tillers. However, modern rice varieties have been bred to
Chromosome Number: produce more tillers, resulting in increased grain production per
plant.
3. Grain Quality: Over time, breeders have focused on improving
The rice genome (Oryza sativa; AA genome) is composed of grain quality traits. This includes traits such as milling quality,
12 chromosomes (2n = 24) and has a total length of 430 Mb cooking quality, and resistance to pests and diseases. As a
(megabase, a nucleotide length of 1000 000 base pairs) result, modern rice varieties exhibit enhanced nutritional value,
corresponding to about 1500 cM (centiMorgan, a genetic better taste, and improved resistance to biotic and abiotic
unit of length measured by the crossing ‐over frequency in stresses.
genetic recombinations at meiosis). Rice has a relatively 4. Root System: The root system of rice plants has also undergone
small genome (430 Mb) compared with that of other changes. Traditional varieties had relatively shallow and fibrous
common cereals. root systems. However, modern varieties have been developed
with deeper and more extensive root systems. This allows the
plants to access water and nutrients more efficiently, leading to
improved growth and yield potential.
Comparison Of The Ancestor Factors that contributed to the evolution
When comparing the ancestors of the rice plant, Oryza sativa, to the modern The evolution of the rice plant, Oryza sativa, has been influenced
cultivated varieties, there are several notable differences. by several factors. Some of the key factors include:
1. Genetic Diversity: The ancestors of Oryza sativa exhibited a higher level of
genetic diversity compared to modern cultivated varieties. Wild rice species, 1. Natural selection: Over time, the rice plant has undergone
which are considered the ancestors of cultivated rice, display a wide range of natural selection, where certain traits that were advantageous
genetic traits and adaptations to different environments. Over time, through for survival and reproduction were favored. This includes traits
selective breeding and domestication, the genetic diversity of cultivated rice has such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and seed
reduced. production.
2. Grain Size and Shape: The wild ancestors of rice had smaller and more varied 2. Human cultivation: Rice has been cultivated by humans for
grain sizes and shapes. Through selective breeding, modern cultivated rice thousands of years, and this has played a significant role in its
varieties have been developed with larger and more uniform grain sizes, which evolution. Through selective breeding, humans have favored
are preferred for commercial production and consumption. traits such as high yield, desirable grain quality, and early
3. Yield Potential: Modern cultivated rice varieties have been bred to have a higher maturity. This artificial selection has contributed to the
yield potential compared to their wild ancestors. This is achieved through various development of different rice varieties and improved
breeding techniques aimed at improving traits such as tillering capacity, panicle agricultural practices.
size, and grain filling. 3. Genetic diversity: Rice has a high level of genetic diversity,
4. Disease and Pest Resistance: Wild rice species possess natural resistance to a which has allowed for adaptation to different environmental
range of diseases and pests. Through breeding programs, modern cultivated rice conditions. This diversity has been maintained through natural
varieties have been developed with enhanced resistance to specific diseases and processes like gene flow and genetic recombination, as well
pests that are prevalent in different regions. as through human intervention in breeding programs.
5. Adaptation to Cultivation Practices: Wild rice species are adapted to grow in 4. Environmental factors: Environmental factors, such as
diverse natural habitats, such as marshes, swamps, and riverbanks. Modern climate, soil conditions, and pest pressure, have also
cultivated rice varieties have been bred to adapt to specific cultivation practices, influenced the evolution of rice. Different varieties of rice have
including flooded paddy fields and upland conditions. adapted to specific ecological niches, allowing them to thrive
in various regions around the world.These factors have
These are some of the key comparisons between the ancestors of Oryza sativa and collectively contributed to the evolution of Oryza sativa,
the modern cultivated varieties. The continuous selection and breeding of rice have resulting in the diverse range of rice varieties that exist today.
led to the development of high-yielding, disease-resistant, and culturally significant
varieties that are widely cultivated today.
 Characteristics of current varieties
Wild Relatives:
of the crop
The wild relatives of the cultivated rice plant, Oryza
sativa, play a crucial role in the genetic diversity and The characteristics of the current varieties of the rice plant
evolution of this important crop. Oryza sativa can vary based on the subspecies. Here are
1. Oryza rufipogon: Also known as the Asian wild some general characteristics:
rice, Oryza rufipogon is considered the primary 1. Japonica or Sinica Variety:
wild ancestor of Oryza sativa. It is native to - Sticky texture: The grains of Japonica rice are
Southeast Asia and possesses a wide range of known for their stickiness when cooked, making them
genetic diversity. This wild species has been suitable for dishes like sushi.
extensively used in breeding programs to - Short grains: Japonica rice has shorter grains
introduce desirable traits into cultivated rice compared to other varieties.
varieties, such as disease resistance and - Mild flavor: It has a mild and slightly sweet flavor.
tolerance to environmental stress. . - High moisture content: Japonica rice tends to have a
higher moisture content.
2. Oryza nivara: Another wild relative of Oryza
sativa, Oryza nivara, is found in India and other 2. Indica Variety:
parts of South Asia. It is found growing in - Non-sticky texture: Indica rice grains are less sticky
swampy areas, at edge of pond and tanks, when cooked, making them suitable for dishes that require
beside streams, in ditches, in or around rice separate grains like biryani.
fields. Grows in shallow water up to 0.3 metres - Long grains: Indica rice has longer grains compared
(1 ft 0 in), in seasonally dry and open habitats. to Japonica rice.
- Nutty flavor: It has a nuttier and more aromatic flavor.
3. Oryza glumaepatula: This wild rice species is - Lower moisture content: Indica rice generally has a
native to Central and South America. It is lower moisture content.
considered a distant relative of Oryza sativa but
shares some genetic similarities. It is found in These characteristics can vary within each subspecies and
deep and sometimes in flowing water. may also be influenced by factors such as growing
conditions, soil type, and cultivation practices.
1. Awn: refers to the long bristle-like structure that extends
from the hull or lemma of the rice plant.
2. Anther - is the male reproductive part of the rice flower.
3. Filament- is the slender stalk that supports the anther.
4. Apiculi- are small projections or tips found on the rice leaf
blades.
5. Stigma- is the female reproductive part of the rice flower.
6. Lemma- is the outermost bract or husk that covers the
rice grain.
7. Palea- is the inner bract or husk that covers the rice grain,
situated between the lemma and the grain.
8. Ovary- is the part of the rice flower that contains the
ovules. After fertilization, the ovary develops into the rice
grain.
9. Sterile Lemmas- are modified bracts that do not produce
flowers or seeds. They are usually present above the fertile
florets.
10. Rudimentary Glumes- are small, undeveloped bracts
that protect the developing florets. They are located at the
base of the spikelet.
11. Pedicel- refers to the stalk or stem that connects the
spikelet (cluster of flowers) to the main stem of the rice plant.
Mode Of Pollination Benefits Of Rice
The mode of pollination in rice is primarily self-pollination. The rice has numerous benefits. Here are a few:
Rice plants have both male and female reproductive organs, 1. Staple Food: Rice is a staple food for more than half of
which are located in the same flower. The male reproductive the world's population. It provides a significant portion of
organ, called the stamen, consists of anthers and filaments the daily calorie intake for many people, especially in
that produce and release pollen. The female reproductive Asia.
organ, called the pistil, consists of a stigma, style, and 2. Nutritional Value: Rice is a good source of
ovary. During self-pollination, the rice plant's pollen is carbohydrates, providing energy for the body. It also
transferred from the anther to the stigma within the same contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin
flower. This can occur through natural means, such as wind B, iron, and magnesium.
or gravity, or with the help of pollinators like insects. The 3. Versatility: Rice can be prepared and consumed in
pollen then travels down the style and fertilizes the ovary, various ways, making it a versatile ingredient in many
leading to the development of seeds. Self-pollination is cuisines. It can be steamed, boiled, fried, or ground into
advantageous for rice plants because it ensures a higher flour for different types of dishes.
rate of successful pollination and seed production. It 4. Economic Importance: Rice cultivation is a significant
reduces the dependence on external factors, such as economic activity in many countries. It supports
pollinators, and enhances reproductive efficiency. livelihoods for millions of farmers and contributes to local
and national economies.

These are just a few of the benefits of the rice plant.