BAYER INTRODUCES FIRST DUAL-TRAIT HYBRID-RICE VARIETY IN THE PHILIPPINES

BAYER, the global leader in agriculture, has launched Arize AZ 8433 DT, a dual-trait hybrid-rice variety with measurably improved tolerance to both brown plant hopper (BPH) and bacterial leaf blight (BLB).

Arize AZ 8433 DT is the first available hybrid variety in the Philippines to offer tolerance to both of these harmful pest and bacterial disease.

BPH is a re-emerging pest species that has become prevalent in the Philippines, particularly in areas of high cropping intensity. It causes hopperburn, which is a visible yellowing and drying of a plant that can damage the crop in just a matter of days. In 2017 the Department of Agriculture reported 541 hectares of BPH infestation in Eastern Visayas, resulting to approximately P17 million worth of agricultural damage. The new variety offers added protection against BPH by delaying hopperburn, giving farmers ample time to control further damage.

The BLB, on the other hand, is a perennial problem that causes wilting of seedlings and yellowing and drying of leaves. Both problems adversely affect crop yields and continue to become a serious threat to the rice industry.

“Bayer has been working closely with rice farmers in the Philippines to improve their rice yields and quality through its innovative hybrid seeds, crop-protection products and integrated crop-management solutions. With the increasing demands of our growing population and an ever-evolving ecosystem, it is vital that we empower these farmers with innovative products and solutions to help improve rice productivity in the country, and also to improve the viability and quality of life of our farmers,” said Iiinas Ivan Lao, country commercial lead, Bayer Crop Science.