Kon Tum: Selecting high-yield black sticky rice varieties
The selection and development of traditional black sticky rice varieties contribute to the preservation of rare genetic resources and the building of Kon Tum's specialty rice brand.
This rice variety is mainly grown in Dak Ha, Sa Thay, Kon Ray districts, and communes in the Eastern Truong Son region, such as Dak Glei and Kon Plong. Black sticky rice stands out with its characteristic purple-black color, not only is it sticky and fragrant but it is also rich in anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant, with high nutritional value.
To preserve and improve quality, the research team at the Provincial Agricultural Extension Center collected 13 seed samples from many districts, evaluated criteria, such as color, seed shape, and purity, and selected 4 samples for trial planting in two locations with different conditions. Based on monitoring the growth process, disease and pest resistance, and yield of the varieties, the two seed samples in Dak Sao commune (Tu Mo Rong) and Mo Rai commune (Sa Thay) showed outstanding potential, achieving an average yield of 3.4 to 3.63 tons/ha, much higher than the varieties commonly grown among the population.
The results showed that the selected black sticky rice varieties have a growing period of 160-165 days, and are quite resistant to diseases and pests, such as rice blast, stem borers, and brown planthoppers. In particular, these two varieties are highly adaptable, have high yields, beautiful morphology, and are suitable for replication, contributing to increasing the agricultural value of the mountainous region of Kon Tum. In addition, the research team has developed and completed technical documents on cultivation to transfer to agencies and farmers, helping to improve production efficiency and preserve the rare genetic resources of the local traditional black sticky rice variety.