Meaning “strong” in Filipino, Matatag rice was named as such because it is resistant to diseases. This kind of rice was primarily developed to minimize, if not prevent, the incidence of tungro disease, especially in tungro hotspot area.
To date, there are four approved Matatag varieties, and these are Matatag 2, Matatag 3, Matatag 6, and Matatag 9. These varieties are proven to be strong. They are able to suppress virus invasion and multiplication. They are resistant to green leafhoppers, which are the primary carriers of the tungro disease.
“Under high pressure of tungro disease alone, yields of Matatag varieties can be below 4tiha but can reach as high as 7 t/ ha under favorable conditions,” said Dr. Gerald B. Ravelo, one of Phil Rice’s international breeders who helped develop the Matatag lines.
Popularity: 3%
