Cuulong Delta Rice Research Institute
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Cuulong Delta Rice Research Institute (CLRRI), situated in Co Do district of Can Tho city, Vietnam, is a governmental institution dedicated to agricultural research.
Introduction
A bief history of the institute
After the reunification of the country in 1975, the Vietnamese government made agricultural development as a priority. The Mekong Delta, with its vast and largely untapped resource base, was invested and the Cuu Long Delta Rice Research Institute (CLRRI) was established with assistance from the Government of India.
CLRRI was founded in January 1977 at Thoi Thanh village, O Mon district, Can Tho province (now Co Do district, Can Tho city), and named Mekong Delta Agricultural Technology Center. Since 1985 the Institute has adopted its present name. The location of the institute was decided in 1975 by Dr Luong Dinh Cua, a prominent Vietnamese agronomist. It was to be in a central region of the Delta, and close to the city of Can Tho and its university.
CLRRI is one of 43 institutions, universities and centers of the Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development (MARD), Vietnam. The Institute receives government and local provinces' investment and has strong links with many Vietnamese and overseas organizations. Initially, CLRRI received valuable assistance from the Government of India, especially in training the workforce and supplying equipment. The Government of India still provides annual MSc and PhD scholarships to progressive young CLRRI scientists.
The growth of the Mekong Delta agriculture during the past 20 years has closely linked with the development of the Institute. Development of high yielding and short duration rice varieties which occupy vast area throughout the Delta, generation and standardization of rice production techniques such as integrated pest management (IPM), integrated nutrient management (INM), integrated weed management (IWM), rice row seeder, rice dryer etc... which broadly adapted by the farmer have been the hallmarks of the Institute. The Institute has offered many short-term and vocational training courses and is still a good place for national and international post-graduate students to undertake their research works.
Functions
To carry out research on rice and other major crops in the Mekong Delta.
The main research themes are: genetics and plant breeding, biotechnology, plant protection, entomology, soil science, soil fertility management, microbiology, water management, post harvest technology, farm machinery, farming system models, and agricultural economics.
To undertake need-based research, that lead to crop improvement and sustainable agricultural productivity in harmony with the nature and environment.
We transfer scientific and technical advances to local organizations and individuals, and collaborate with international. Beyond our research capacities, we are mandated to produce and supply high quality rice seed that meets government policies and producer needs.
To set up and implement research programs in collaboration with local and international organizations in accordance with State and Ministry stipulations.
Location
CLRRI Headquarter: Co Do district, Can Tho city, Vietnam
ATTC: 9 B, Cach Mang Thang 8 St., Can Tho city, Vietnam
Skill Training School: O Mon dictrict, Can Tho city, Viet Nam
Manpower
From its beginning CLRRI has been strengthening the research capabilities of its staff. In 2004 the Institute has 302 staff, with 25 PhD, 20 MSc, 134 BSc, and 126 technicians.
Infrastructure
The headquarter is 360 ha, with 60 ha of offices, laboratories and outbuildings; 30 ha of experimental fields; 220 ha of rice seed production and farming system modeling; and 50 ha of fruit tree gardens, storage buildings, canals and fish ponds.
The Skills Training School is situated on 16 ha, and comprised of lecture halls, offices, workshops, student dormitories, a stadium and fields. In the near future a College of Agriculture is planned to better link with universities and the Institute.
Laboratories
CLRRI has 7 research laboratories, used for the following fields: (i) plant biotechnologies (ii) plant and soil analysis, (iii) rice germplasm, (iv) plant pathology, (v) entomology and biocontrol, (vi) quality analysis of crop grain, (vii) microbiology.
Net Houses and Weather Station
There are 5 net houses and a glasshouse, with a total area of 2000 square meters. They are used for research in (i) rice germplasm and plant breeding, (ii) plant biotechnologies, (iii) plant pathology, (iv) entomology and biocontrol, and (v) agronomy. The Institute has its own weather station, linked to research and production activities.
Library
The CLRRI library subscribes to numerous international scientific journals and magazines. Many of the library's books are donated by international agencies, such as the International Rice Research Institute, or purchased by staff attending international fora.
Education and training
The Institute is engaged in a broad range of education and training activities. It conducts in-house training, as well as for government employees in the agricultural sector, for farmers and farmer groups, for industry, and for trade and graduated secondary school students. It hosts workshops and conferences in all its research fields. It undertakes extension activities for farmers and government employees throughout the Mekong Delta region. Many of its scientists are involved in lecturing and course design at numerous universities in southern Vietnam, and supervise postgraduate students.
Since 1997 the Institute has taken responsibility for the Southern Skills Training School in Agricultural and Rural Development. The School teaches the latest trade and farm skills needed to manage a farm profitably. A College of Agriculture is now being planned to train technicians and researchers.
Organization
Director
Professor Bui Chi Buu
Tel: +84 71 862974
Mobile: +84 91 3823488
Email: buichibuu@hcm.vnn.vn
Deputy Directors
Dr Pham Si Tan
Tel: +84 71 861388
Mobile: +84 91 3973736
Email: pstan@hcm.vnn.vn
Dr Le Van Banh
Tel: +84 71 862310/860851
Mobile: +84 91 3870204
Email: truongdaynghe@hcm.vnn.vn
Supporting Departments
Administrative and Personnel
Dr Chu Van Hach, Head
Tel: +84 71 861954
Mobile: +84 91 8392796
Email: cvhach@hcm.vnn.vn
Scientific Management and International Cooperation
Mr Nguyen Xuan Lai, Head
Tel: +84 71 861392
Mobile: +84 91 3003775
Email: attc@hcm.vnn.vn or science@hcm.vnn.vn
Accounting
Mr Le Huy Khien, Head
Tel: +84 71 862011
Mobile: +84 91 8579527
Research Departments
Genetics and Gene Bank
Dr Nguyen Thi Lang, Head
Tel: +84 71 861386
Email: ntlang@hcm.vnn.vn
Identification, evaluation and conservation of genetic resources of major food crops. At present there are 2273 landrace accessories and over 200 accessions of wild rice species.
Genetic enhancement for yield, grain quality, biotic and abiotic stress resistance.
Plant Biotechnology
Dr Tran Thi Cuc Hoa, Head
Tel: +84 71 862993
Email: cuchoa@hcm.vnn.vn
Development of high quality rice varieties of high yield potential that resist to biotic and abiotic stresses via anther culture (DH lines).
Gene transformation using Agrobacterium or gene bombatment machine.
Genetic resources generated and genomic databases and bio-informatics systems established to assist the discovery of new genes and traits.
Plant Breeding
Dr Pham Van Ro, Head
Tel: +84 71 861399
Email: ropv@hcm.vnn.vn
Development of quality rice varieties of high yield potential and resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses via physical mutation.
High quality short duration rice varieties using conventional breeding in combination with anther culture.
Grain traits of food crops, like aroma in rice.
Seed Technology
Dr Le Thi Du, Head
Tel: +84 71 860721
Email: lethidu@hcm.vnn.vn
Rice seed vigor and quality.
Rice seed health and issue certification.
Role of post-harvest technologies on rice seed quality.
Plant Pathology
Dr Pham Van Du, Head
Tel: +84 71 861641
Mobile: +84 91 3974380
Email: phamvandu@hcm.vnn.vn
Variability and diversity of blast disease isolates collected in the Mekong Delta
Diversity of sheath blight isolates and management of disease with antagonistic bacteria
Systemic acquired resistance of the rice plant against blast disease using chemical elicitors.
Rice seed health, especially grain discoloration.
Biocontrol of root rot disease caused by Phytophthora, Fusarium, and Pythium genera.
In-house and regional education and training on the management of rice diseases.
Entomology
Dr Luong Minh Chau, Head
Tel: +84 71 861395
Mobile: +84 91 3759536
Email: lmchau@hcm.vnn.vn
IPM strategies to control major insect pests.
GIS in the distribution, migration and forecasting of rice insect pests.
IPM strategies for upland crops and fruit trees.
Training of agricultural technicians and farmers on IPM.
Insect Ecology and Biological Control
Dr Nguyen Thi Loc, Head
Tel: +84 71 861256
Mobile: +84 91 3107126
Email: ptsh@hcm.vnn.vn
Parasitoids, natural predators and pathogens of insect pests of major crops.
Effects of field practices on the population of natural enemies and insect pests.
Small scale production of bio-products to control insect pests.
Organic farming models for rice, vegetable and fruit crops.
Molecular biology techniques to improve resistance of rice to insect pests.
Participation in national and international IPM networks.
Agronomy
Dr Chu Van Hach, Head
Tel: +84 71 860852
Mobile: +84 91 8392796
Email: cvhach@hcm.vnn.vn
Efficient models in rice and major crops production for specific agro-ecosystems.
Optimum fertilizer regimes for major crops by ecological zones.
Integrated Nutrient Management emphasizing yield and quality of high yielding rice varieties.
Sustainability of rice production with a view to minimizing impacts to the environment and public health.
Soil Science
Dr Cao Van Phung, Head
Tel: +84 71 861452
Mobile: +84 91 8239607
Email: caovanphung@hcm.vnn.vn
Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) threshold concentrations for important food crops on the major soil types of the Mekong Delta.
Methods to increase the efficiency of NPK utilization in irrigated rice soils.
Productive potential of Mekong Delta soil types.
Analysis of macro- and microelements.
Microbiology
Dr Luu Hong Man, Head
Tel: +84 71 861451
Mobile: +84 91 3974730
Email: luuhongman@hcm.vnn.vn
Use of soil microorganisms to generate organic manures from agricultural residues.
Impact of nitrogen fixing microbes on rice and leguminous crops.
Microbiological enhancement of phosphorus-use efficiency in rice.
Farming System
Dr Duong Van Chin, Head
Tel: +84 71 861394
Mobile: +84 91 3973564
Email: duongvanchin@hcm.vnn.vn
Farming systems
Identify innovative farming models with the potential to raise produce productivity and producer income specifically for the Mekong Delta.
Research to improve extant farming systems in the region.
Integrate compatible technologies into cohesive farming systems.
Evaluate impacts of industry and service sectors, and the market, on keeping farming models in line with industrialization and modernization.
Weeds science
Technologies and decision support systems for Integrated Weed Management (IWM) in rice-based farming systems in different ecological areas.
Yield losses due to weeds infestation in different types of rice cultures in different agro-ecological zones.
IWM in annual and perennial non-rice crops.
Rice and other crops IWM transfer to farmers.
Social Science
Gender's role in agricultural production, especially for technology transfer and female-managed farms.
Farmers' perceptions of agricultural technologies and extension activities.
Impact of male migration on agricultural production.
Agricultural Economics
Mr Nguyen Xuan Lai, Head
Tel: +84 71 861392
Mobile: +84 91 3003775
Email: attc@hcm.vnn.vn
Farming systems and the farm economy.
Integrated resource management and land use analysis in agricultural production.
Organization and implementation of agricultural production.
Impact of government policies on agricultural production and farmers' livelihoods.
Farm management and household modeling.
Agricultural Engineering
Dr Le Van Banh
Tel: +84 71 862310/860851
Mobile: +84 91 3870204
Email: truongdaynghe@hcm.vnn.vn
Agricultural tools and machinery for the production and post-harvest phases of the major crops in the Mekong Delta: rice row seeder, rice harvester, rice thresher, corn thresher, dryer and small grinder.
Scientific activities and collaboration.
Agricultural and Technology Transfer Center (ATTC)
Dr Pham Si Tan, Director
Mr Hoang Dinh Dinh, Vice Director
Tel: +84 71 761151
Mobile: +84 91 8026808
Email: pstan@hcm.vnn.vn
The Southern Skill Training School for Agricultural and Rural Development
Mr Dinh Van Tam, Vice Rector of Administrative Management
Mr Le Thai Duong, Vice Rector of Education
Email: truongdaynghe@hcm.vnn.vn
Rice Seed Production Unit
Mr Nguyen Van Tao, Head
Tel: +84 71 860691
Mobile: +84 91 8485766
MISCELLANEOUS
Collaboration
The Institute collaborates with many Vietnamese organizations in its research and education programs, and particularly those based in the Mekong Delta.
International collaboration is a feature of the Institute’s work. Strong links exist between CLRRI and the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the Rockefeller Foundation, the Japanese International Research Center for Agricultural Science (JIRCAS), and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), among others.
Major achievements
More than 70 rice varieties have been released to producers across Viet Nam
Over 1800 cultivated rice samples and hundreds of specimens of wild rice have been conserved in its gene bank
Technologies such as the rice row seeder and leaf color chart have been widely adapted by farmers
Numerous cropping system models have been transferred
The design and manufacture of agricultural implements such as the rice row seeder, corn thresher and seed dryer
Knowledge and expertise generated through hundreds of publications, from books, book chapters and scientific papers
National and international training of its staff and staff of associated agricultural agencies
Regional and in-house workshops and field schools for farmers
Annually over 1000 technicians graduate from the Institute’s Southern Skills Training School for Agricultural and Rural Development
Book & Journal
Evidence of CLRRI's long-standing research achievements are to be found in numerous Vietnamese and internationally published books and journals. They will be of value to students, agricultural professionals and policy makers alike.
OmonRice Journal (1991-)
Books - Vietnamese
Biotechnology Application in Rice Variety Breeding. Bui Chi Buu & Nguyen Thi Lang, 1995, Vietnam Agricultural Publishing House.
Molecular Genetics. Bui Chi Buu, 2000, Vietnam Agricultural Publishing House.
Rice Plant of Vietnam in 21st Century. Nguyen Van Luat, 2001, Vietnam Agricultural Publishing House.
Fundamental Genetics of Insect and Disease Resistance. Bui Chi Buu, Vietnam Agricultural Publishing House, 2002.
Lowland rice weeds in Vietnam. Duong Van Chin, Tran Thi Ngoc Son, Le Cong Kiet, H. Hiraoka, K. Itoh and H. Kobayashi. Vietnam Agricultural Publishing House, 2003.
Books - English
Rice Research and Development in Vietnam for the 21st Century. Proceedings of the Conference on Rice Research and Development in Vietnam for the 21st Century - Aspects of Vietnam-India Cooperation. CLRRI, 2000.
Cropping Systems for Agricultural Diversification in Southern Vietnam. Proceedings of the Annual Workshop, Project VIE/91/005, CLRRI 9-10 December 1993.
External links
Can Tho city (http://www.cantho.gov.vn/) Can Tho University (http://www.ctu.edu.vn/) Cuulong Delta Rice Research Institute (http://www.clrri.org/)