The Government of the Province of Santa Fe obtained the registration of a new rice phytogenetic creation: the species Oryza Sativa -named Aldebarán SF-. This registration is made through the National Register of Cultivar Property issued by the National Seed Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of the Nation. "Once again, the Province is at the forefront of rice genetic improvement and at the head of productive innovations", remarked the Secretary of Agriculture and Livestock of the Ministry of Productive Development, Ignacio Mántaras, and added: "We have an outstanding track record in the development and improvement of varieties, achieved through genetic variability techniques. These practices are generated in the Experimental Operating Center of San Javier, under the Ministry of Productive Development, under the leadership of Rodolfo Vicino, who has a long history and vast experience in this field.
For his part, the Minister of Productive Development, Gustavo Puccini, expressed the importance of making innovation available to production: "Our work at the San Javier Experimental Center symbolizes a key point for the agricultural development of the region, offering innovative options that will improve the productivity and quality of rice crops. It is a model of management, coordination and innovation that we will replicate in every field of action".
Genetic innovation
The Oryza Sativa species (Aldebaran SF) is a fine long rice variety, known as 363, which promises to be a significant breakthrough in the agricultural field. "The main focus that Vicino sought was to improve rice quality, yield and health, seeking to create a variety that combines these three qualities in an optimal way and thus creating a variety that can adapt to diverse environments and soil conditions," Mántaras remarked.
The development process of this variety, which represents the third one registered by the province, consisted of 8 years dedicated to the selection and improvement of the crop. "It is the result of a genetic improvement process that combines the best of Pucará, a stable variety in the region, with the quality touch of Brazilian rice 426", detailed the agronomist Rodolfo Vicino, responsible for the experimental unit.
More resources for the Province
The varieties registered and developed in this experimental unit, Pucará and Fortuna Petizo, represented around 5 million dollars in exports during the year 2023. "As they are of very good quality, approximately 95% of the production is destined to the foreign market," said Facundo Ferraris, head of Apiculture and Experimental Centers.
It is worth mentioning that this new registered variety means important income for Santa Fe: "For each bag sold in both foreign and domestic markets, Santa Fe will receive 12% in royalties for the new variety, a fundamental and very necessary income for the province", concluded Mántaras.
