Hybrid Rice Breakthrough Planted Along the Belt and Road by SWUST

Through five consecutive years of observation and experimentation, the newly cultivated high-yield, disease-resistant, and highly adaptable variety has proven suitable for Bangladesh’s unique ecological conditions. This achievement has paved the way for large-scale planting, mass production and eventual industrialization of the variety, as stated by Researcher Hu Yungao from SWUST’s Rice Research Institute during his recent visit to Bangladesh from May 7 to 14. At the demonstration site in Sherpur, Mymensingh District, Bangladesh, the local ACI Seed Company’s General Manager Mr. Sudhir briefed on the growth status of the experimental variety, B You 3925 (locally known as ACI2019), which was officially approved in Bangladesh in 2024.

B You 3925 is the only international variety to have been approved among over 50 entries submitted by foreign seed companies this year.

 At a rice demonstration site in Bangladesh, Researcher Hu Yungao discussed the high-yield potential of ACI2019 with Mr. Sudhir, General Manager of the local ACI Seed company, and experts.

Since 2019, with the support of the Sichuan Seed Station, Hu Yungao’s team has actively participated in international screening trials in Vietnam, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Nepal and so on, organized by the Sichuan Seed Association. They have conducted field visits to select varieties suitable for local conditions.

Researcher Hu Yungao was interviewed by local media at the site.

South and Southeast Asian countries predominantly experience tropical monsoon climates, with ample moisture and high rainfall, leading to a prevalence of bacterial blight in rice. Additionally, the local population’s preference for hand-eaten meal necessitates rice varieties with high amylose rice. After thorough research, Hu Yungao’s team has concluded that rice cultivars grown in these nations must fulfill two criteria: resistance to bacterial blight and a high amylose content.

B You 3925 is a testament to the harmonious blend of conventional and molecular breeding techniques. By precisely integrating bacterial blight resistance genes into a high-amylose rice, the new cultivar boasts not only disease-resistance and a high amylose content, but also high yield potential and heat tolerance. In high-yield demonstration trials in Bangladesh, B You 3925 has achieved remarkable yields, over 10 tons per hectare.

Local media in Bangladesh reported on the event

“Our hybrid rice has ventured beyond borders in recent years, seeking opportunities in South and Southeast Asia, which aligns positively with the Belt and Road Initiative and the Going Global strategy. This endeavor enhances food security resilience and risk resistance capabilities of countries along the Belt and Road, thereby ensuring international food security,” stated Hu Yungao. He said that we will continue to extend and strengthen cooperations with other countries, focusing on breeding and screening new rice varieties suited to the South and Southeast Asian monsoon conditions.

The newly approved variety B You 3925 will be widely promoted in Bangladesh, addressing local low-yield issues and providing a Chinese solution to food shortages in developing countries. This effort reflects the wisdom of SWUST and contributes to the application and transformation of hybrid rice achievements along the Belt and Road. This promotion has garnered widespread coverage from multiple authorities and media, including People’s Daily, the United Front Work Department of the Sichuan Provincial Party Committee, and the Sichuan Provincial Department of Science and Technology.

Edited by Yang Shufan

Translated by Huang Ziyi