Discovery and Re-Discovery of Wild Oryza Population

DISCOVERY & RE-DISCOVERY OF WILD RICE POPULATIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES

SG BON1 & TH BORROMEO2 1University Research Associate and 2Associate Professor, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines

A total of 14 populations of wild species were collected from 1996 to 2000. The collection consisted of 8 populations of Oryza officinalis and 6 populations of O. meyeriana. Of these, 5 populations of O. officinalis and 1 population of O. meyeriana were the first accounts of their existence in the provinces where they were discovered, ie, from Aklan, Laguna and Surigao del Sur for O. officinalis and Nueva Vizcaya for the O. meyeriana. Three populations of O. officinalis, from Occidental Mindoro and 1 population of O. meyeriana from Puerto Princesa, Palawan were re-discovered in different locations far from their first reported sites in the province. Lastly, 4 populations of O. meyeriana were re-canvassed from the same sites where they were first found, ie, in Quezon and Aborlan in Palawan. The encouraging finds indicate that more populations of wild rice species may exist in locations other than those that had been traditionally considered. Further exploration and inventory of these genetic resources and investigation on the nature of their biodiversity are recommended. Keywords Aklan, Nueva Vizcaya, Occidental Mindoro, O. meyeriana, O. officinalis, Palawan, Philippine wild rice, Puerto Princesa, Surigao del Sur, wild rice distribution

INTRODUCTION According to current knowledge, the Oryza genepool which belongs to the tribe Oryzaea includes 20 For breeding, wild rices offer a rich reservoir of taxonomically recognized wild and two cultivated genetic diversity as they are important sources of species. Four of these species, namely O. minuta, O. resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses (Borromeo 2001). meyeriana, O. officinalis, O. rufipogon are known to occur in A prerequisite to the conservation of wild rices is the the Philippines (Borromeo et al 1994). Past evaluation inventory and canvass of naturally occurring populations studies of wild species accessions identified many throughout the country. Historically, the inventory of economic useful characters. An accession of O. officinalis these materials may be divided into three periods – pre was reported to confer resistance to BLB and thrips. 60’s, the 60’s, and the 90’s. Pre 60’s established the Some accessions of Oryza O. minuta on the other hand, presence of the wild rice species in 14 locations in the were found to exhibit resistance to sheath blight and country. The 60’s marked the discovery of O. rufipogon and blast (Vaughan 1994). of O. meyeriana in Palawan and the sympatric populations Wild rice species are widely distributed within the of O. officinalis and O. minuta. The 90’s established new limit of the tropics from 23 ˚ N to 23˚ S longitude, from sites for the three species (except O. rufipogon) (Vaughan the postulated origins of it progenitors in the super 1990, Borromeo et al 1994). In the early 90’s, notable continent about 130 million years ago (Vaughan 1994, discovery were the occurrence of O. meyeriana in Sorsogon Chang 1975). They occur in varied habitats ranging from and O. officinalis in Samar (Vaughan 1990). Then the late aerobic forest floor to deep water swamplands, from 90s led to the discovery of more sites thus further partial shade to full sun; as distinct species or as expanding the range of distribution of the wild species. associated species of the cultivated ones (Vaughan 1994). The occurrence of wild rice species in the country In the Philippines, O. meyeriana is normally found in was first reported in 1890 in Novaliches (as cited by the aerobic forest floor. The three other species are Borromeo 1994) This was identified as O. minuta, based on normally found in moist or flooded habitats such as Comment [FAH1]: herbarium records. O. officinalis and O. meyeriana were first stream banks (Vaughan 1990). O. officinalis is the most reported in 1911 (Zamboanga) and 1910 (Dumarao), widely distributed species while O. rufipogon has been respectively. O. rufipogon was discovered only in 1961 found only in one location, in Lake Apo in Bukidnon (cited by Borromeo et al 1994). (Borromeo et al 1994). MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 1995 to 2000, the project, Safeguarding the Biodiversity of the Rice Genepool, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) was implemented. It was primarily aimed at road. assembling the available rice genetic resources in A previously uncollected provinces, including both the cultivated varieties and wild species. Germplasm assembly was largely conducted as centralized collecting activity in close collaboration with the agriculture offices of the respective Local Government Units (LGUs). Collecting missions were normally conducted toward the end of the harvesting seasons to capture as much material as possible and at the same time document the general cropping pattern of the location. Along with the missions, wild species were being scouted. Live specimens and mature seeds were collected; passport information on each collection was gathered as well.

RESULTS & DISCUSSIONS

Two wild Oryza species, O. officinalis and O. meyeriana, composed of 14 populations were assembled on top of the cultivated varieties. The populations were found in 5 different provinces throughout the country (Figure 1). These populations may be categorized as newly discovered (first account from the province), re- discovered outside of original sites (within the same few thin clusters were growing in similar area along the province) and re-discovered within the first original sites lower edge of the bank in partly submerged portion of a discovered (same village or barangay, or municipality). stream bank with clean clear flowing water. In contrast Brief descriptions of the populations and habitat to Pampango, this site was under full sun. Soil substrate conditions follow. was a wet, partly submerged loamy-clay. The plants were similarly at various growth stages with the distinctive I. Newly discovered populations panicles, and well-interspersed with other grass weeds. Oryza officinalis From a distance, the plants were difficult to distinguish Aklan from other grasses. The site was located within the Pampango, Libacao. From Sitio Libang, is the first school compound and about 5 m off the road, while account of the species from the province of Aklan. The populations are luxuriantly growing in a continuous strip along a stream bank with clear shallow running water. Substrate is a wet, sandy clay-loam soil. Being perennial, the populations were at various stages of growth with numerous panicles at different stages and maturity. They were partially shaded by banana clumps and shrubby plants at the upper level of the bank. The site was about 10 m from the dirt road and about 25 m from a small pocket of rainfed ricefield at the opposite side of the road. The location was about 13 km uphill from the Poblacion. Locally, the wild species is called ‘pagay-pagay’ and regarded as an ordinary grass weed. Janlud, Libacao. The population was found 2.5 km north of the Poblacion along the Libacao-Kalibo access Wild rice Oryza officinalis found in Pampango, Libacao, Aklan

54 Discovery & Re-Discovery Of Wild Rices In The Philippines opposite the road was a small pocket of irrigated lowland Laguna rice field. Masapang, Victoria. In February 2000, clusters of O. Airport Road, Kalibo. The third population was found officinalis were found in Masapang, Victoria, Laguna just a within the capital, Kalibo, along the road about 1.5 km few meters way from the Masapang-Calauan highway from the domestic airport, beside the road shoulder. junction. This find made the first account of the species Among the three sites in Aklan, this population appears from the main island of Luzon and its occurrence outside to be in the most disturbed clusters. The population was of its known traditional range of distribution, ie, the growing on rather drained but moist highly organic Visayas, Mindanao and the island of Mindoro. The sandy loam soil. The site is a waste disposal area for clusters were found vigorously growing along the banks dried/dead plant materials of neighboring residential of an irrigation ditch which also served as the sewage houses. The site is not within a waterway though regular canal of nearby households. The site was adjacent to the flooding occurs during the wet season. In comparison, Santa Cruz–Victoria national highway and about 100 m the dense cluster appears to be shorter than those in the away from the nearest ricefield. An adjacent lot was previous two sites. The population was similarly in planted to coconuts, which partially shaded some of the various stages of growth. The plants were partially plants. Shaded plants were observed to be taller than shaded by a full grown narra tree, few other smaller those that were well exposed to the solar path. According to the residents, the site becomes flooded during the rainy season as the irrigation ditch overflows most of the time. The species was regarded as ordinary weed by the locals and farm animals feed on them. Oryza meyeriana Nueva Vizcaya Diadi. In August 2000, thin scattered clusters of this species were found within the DENR forest park in Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya. This is the first account from the province and the second report from the island of Luzon. The site was about 4 m away from the Cagayan Valley

Wild rice Oryza officinalis found in Kalibo, Aklan jubilant trees. A few young banana suckers and other weed grasses were interspersed within the cluster. Surigao Del Sur Hubang-Gilingan, Tago. In October 1997, a lone population of O. officinalis species was found for the first time in the southeastern province of Surigao del Sur. The site was in the boundary of Barangays Hubang and Gilingan in the municipality of Tago. Two adjacent clusters were growing along an irrigation ditch with running clear water just beside an irrigated rice field. The plants were growing luxuriantly in a wet clay loam Wild rice Oryza officinalis found in Tago, Surigao del Sur substrate. Plants were partly shaded by a few banana and coconut trees in its northeastern side while the southwestern side was generally open to sunlight. The road on the western downhill side at 16 39.19” N and 121 plants were at various stages of growth with numerous 39.19” E coordinates, about 250 masl. The scattered small maturing panicles. Associated with the wild population clusters were mostly growing along the slope on aerobic were some broadleaved weeds notably Monochoria and soil under the shade of large trees. Some were growing other types of weed grasses. The population appears to just beside the base of trees. The radius of distribution be limited in distribution and called “humay-humay” in was about 30 m. Interestingly, a few plants were growing the local dialect. along the upper edge of a narrow stream with clear running water. No large formation of population was noted. Morphologically, the plants appeared to be

SG Bon & TH Borromeo 55 slightly upright with narrower leaves and longer culms canal just beside the San Jose–Sablayan main road and than those found in Palawan. adjacent to irrigated rice fields. The canal was covered with sand deposit which could be due to runoffs during II. Re-discovered populations heavy rains. The site was under full sun within a Oryza officinalis residential area with coordinates of 12 44.63’ N and 120 51.10’ E. Growth habit was similar to the Malpalon Occidental Mindoro population. One notable observation is the absence of a Puypuy, Calintaan. A vigorously growing population of continuous water source, as the irrigation canal was dry, this species was found in October 1996. A thick cluster which might explain the very few surviving plants found. and several other independent clusters were growing Local residents asserted that during the dry season the within a shallow pond where the sewage of nearby plants dry up, but are re-established during the wet houses collected; the substrate was therefore highly months. The population was well separated from the organic. The site was partially shaded by a few coconut previous two populations though still near Calintaan. Oryza meyeriana Palawan Maruyugon, Puerto Princesa. In Sitio Mintis, in January 1998, a population of this species was found over 100 km north of where the first account was made in 1963 (Borromeo et al 1994). This is the northernmost report and is in contrast to the traditionally known site in southern Palawan. The plants were a scatter of few thin clusters under heavy shade of bamboo (kawayang tinik, Bambusa spinosa) and other trees. Many clusters were bearing panicles though mature ones had normally shattered. Soil substrate was a moist clay loam. The site was generally flat with a deep river nearby and located Wild rice Oryza officinalis found in Masapang, Victoria, Laguna within the residential radius. Locals were generally familiar with the species and generally regarded them ordinary grass where wild birds feed on the spikelets. trees. The plants bore numerous panicles, but very few mature seeds were found. Plants were noticeably erect III. Re-discovered populations with dark green broad leaves; height was over 5 feet. The Oryza meyeriana site was just beside a barangay dirt road surrounded by irrigated lowland ricefields. Coordinates were recorded Palawan at 12 37.56’ N and 120 58.9’ E at about 90 masl. Sumawang, Quezon. In January 1998 two populations of Occurrence of this species was first reported by this species were found in Sitio Ladayon, Sumawang, Tateoka & Pancho in 1963, about 65 km south of where Quezon, about 20 km away from the Poblacion. The first the present population was found (Borromeo et al 1994). population was found in a newly cleared forest margin Malpalon, Calintaan. In Sitio Kinarasyawan, a second population of the species was found about 2 km from the first, with the coordinates, 12 37.83’ N and 120 57.31 E with a recorded elevation of 30 masl. The population was luxuriantly growing as a continuous band along the edge of a narrow and shallow irrigation ditch with clean running water located on the roadside surrounded with irrigated lowland rice fields. Compared to the Puypuy population, the Malpalon plants were shorter, had narrower leaves, lighter green shade, more open habit and were in advanced reproductive stage with most of the panicles shattered. Soil substrate was loamy clay. The site was essentially unshaded. Emilio Aguinaldo, Sablayan. In Sitio Kastila, a third population found in northern Occidental Mindoro consisted of two thin clusters growing within the dried Wild rice Oryza officinalis found in Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya

56 Discovery & Re-Discovery Of Wild Rices In The Philippines about 15 m away from the road. Numerous but very small The second population was found in Sagpangan, the clusters were scattered within the area. Most plants same site reported by Tateoka and Pancho in 1963 were bearing panicles, while the mature ones had already (Borromeo et al 1994). The site is a treeless abandoned farm in a rolling area with a wide shallow river system. Bamboo thicket (buho) and tall grasses dominate the vegetation on a dry clay soil. Numerous vigorously growing clusters are scattered over a wide radius occurring near or under bamboo stand or in generally open unshaded location. Plants are at various stages of growth with panicles ranging from booting stage to mature panicles. The discovery of new populations of these wild species indicates that their distribution could extend far wider than conventionally believed, despite lack of discoveries from extensive canvass and re-canvass missions made in the past. Vaughan (1992) for instance, noted that the occurrence of O. officinalis in Mindanao is more common than previously considered. It is probable Oryza officinalis found in Malpalon, Calintaan, Oriental Mindoro that more populations may be present in other locations shattered. The plants were growing on a well-drained in the country that may share similar habitat and eco- organic forest floor shaded by smaller second-growth geographic conditions. Past missions have already forest trees along with other weedy species and indicated the possibility when populations were found in underbrush. The radius of distribution within the cleared previously unreported areas (provinces). O. rufipogon was area of the forest margin was limited to about 100 m. reportedly present in other location in Bukidnon area The second population was found about 5 km. (Vaughan 1992). Recently, some farmers mentioned to southwest of the first site. The site was an abandoned the senior author that O. meyeriana was also present in cultivated area near the forest margin with fewer and Negros Occidental. Though this has been reported in the sparely located trees remaining. Thus weeds, short shrubs and some clusters of bamboo (buho, Schyzostachyum lumampao) dominate the vegetation. The site is similarly well-drained but soil is still moist and contour is nearly flat. The population consisted only of a few well separated small clusters with a very limited range of distribution. The local Tagbanuas are quite familiar with the species, as they use the roots for herbal concoctions to treat common ailments. In some instances, they place bird traps around the plants to catch birds as they try to feed on the spikelets. Thus, they occasionally refer to O. meyeriana as “paray ti agway” or “palay sa tandikan” which means “rice of the peacocks”. Mendoza and Pancho first reported the populations in Sumawang, Quezon in 1964 (Borromeo et al 1994). Oryza officinalis found in Puypuy, Calintaan, Oriental Mindoro Cabigaan, Aborlan. In Aborlan, the first population was found in Cabigaan, an area about 15 km from the poblacion and about 100 masl. The site is a sloping past, no living specimen is currently available among the abandoned kaingin farm dominated by ipil-ipil with trees ex situ facilities. occasional clusters of banana and small under-brushes All of the wild populations found were well within and weeds. Soil is very dry loamy clay. The populations areas of human activity. O. officinalis was found to be were scattered as few thin clusters with mostly shattered associated with cultivated rice. The perennial nature and mature spikelets. The plants were growing under shade shattering ability of the species appears to be their among under bushes and vine species. Though the site important survival mechanism, hence most of the had only a few cluster, the locals maintained that populations remain. However, their occurrence near the extensive growth can be found far uphill near the forest residential encroachment poses an immediate threat to margin. survival of some of the populations. Borromeo (2000) for instance has noted the disappearance of some

SG Bon & TH Borromeo 57 populations of O. minuta in Pangil, Laguna. The O. minuta between certain populations (Bon 1996, Evangelista populations were actually well within the concentration 2000a). The apparent variation warrants a closer look on of residential houses. The potential adaptation may also the status of their diversity. In view of the shifting paradigm in plant genetic resources conservation and management, effective inventory of these rice genetic resources and understanding of the nature of their diversity are two critical efforts needed to design an effective conservation plan. In fact, in situ conservation of these wild rice resources has been recommended, whenever such approach is permitted (Borromeo 2000).

CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS

A total of 14 populations of wild rice species were discovered consisting of 8 populations of O. officinalis and 6 populations of O. meyeriana. Of these, 6 populations were discovered in entirely new locations. The encouraging finds indicate that more populations may Wild rice Oryza officinalis found in Quezon, Palawan exist in locations where they have not been found. Thus, further exploration and inventory of these genetic be true for O. meyeriana. The survival of some clusters in resources is warranted. Moreover, investigation on the an open less-shaded condition may indicate some nature of their biodiversity may yield information adaptive mechanism of the species to changing habitat critically relevant to in situ conservation. condition. In fact, some locals weed out the plants when an area is being actively cultivated (Bon 1998). Though it LITERATURE CITED Borromeo TH. 2000. Philippine wild rices: diverse and disappearing. Philippine Agricultural Scientist 83: 133-144 Borromeo TH. 2001. Biodiversity and the quest for sustainable rice production systems. Philippine Journal of Crop Science 26: 15-20 Borromeo TH, PL Sanchez & DA Vaughan. 1994. Wild Rices Of The Philippines. PhilRice, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. 24 pp Chang TT. 1975. The origin, evolution, cultivation, dissemination and diversification of the Asian and African rices. Euphytica 25: 428-441 Evangelista EM. 2000a. Collecting Trip Report, Masapang, Victoria, Laguna. 2 pp Evangelista EM. 2000b. Collecting Trip Report, Diadi, Nueva, Vizcaya. 2 pp Wild rice Oryza officinalis found in Cabigaan, Aborlan, Palawan Bon SG. 1996. Collecting Trip Report, Occidental Mindoro. 22 pp would appear that most of the wild populations could Bon SG. 1998. Collecting Trip Report, Palawan. 23 pp survive for now, Borromeo (2000) noted that some of the Vaughan DA. 1990. PhilRice-IPB-IRRI collaborative previously reported sites in the 60s were not re- collection for wild relatives of rice in Luzon, Samar, and canvassed in 1992. Leyte, Philippines Unlike in previous collections, variations in habitat Vaughan DA. 1992. Wild rice collecting in Mindanao: adaptation and to some extent in morphological features Collaborative mission of PhilRice and IRRI to were observed among the collection. Notable was the Mindanao morphological differences and habitat adaptations Vaughan DA. 1994. The Wild Relatives of Rice: A between the Nueva Vizcaya and Palawan populations of Genetic Resources Handbook. International Rice O. meyeriana (Evangelista 2000b). Also, O. officinalis Research Institute, Manila. 96 pp exhibited some apparent morphological differences

58 Discovery & Re-Discovery Of Wild Rices In The Philippines