Studying the evolution of reproductive development in the Oryza genus for the improvement of modern cultivated rice

This project aims to increase and transfer knowledge on the evolution and adaptation of the reproductive organs in African and Asian rice species and on the molecular basis of reproductive barriers between Asian and African species. We propose to capitalise the inter- and intra-specific natural diversity of Asian and African rice, in order to evidence new factors controlling reproductive development and reproductive barriers and to provide knowledge suitable for local rice breeding programs in West Africa and Vietnam.