African rice (Oryza glaberrima): history and future potential

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002 Dec 10;99(25):16360-5. doi: 10.1073/pnas.252604599. Epub 2002 Dec 2.

Abstract

The African species of rice (Oryza glaberrima) was cultivated long before Europeans arrived in the continent. At present, O. glaberrima is being replaced by the introduced Asian species of rice, Oryza sativa. Some West African farmers, including the Jola of southern Senegal, still grow African rice for use in ritual contexts. The two species of rice have recently been crossed, producing a promising hybrid.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Africa, Western
  • Agriculture / history*
  • Asia
  • Crops, Agricultural* / classification
  • Crops, Agricultural* / genetics
  • Crops, Agricultural* / growth & development
  • Crops, Agricultural* / history
  • Disasters
  • Food Preferences
  • Food Supply
  • Forecasting
  • History, 16th Century
  • History, 17th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, Ancient
  • Humans
  • Hybridization, Genetic
  • Meteorological Concepts
  • Oryza* / classification
  • Oryza* / genetics
  • Oryza* / growth & development
  • Oryza* / history
  • Species Specificity