Abstract: An improved process for the economical production of F.sub.1 hybrid Oryza sativa plants (i.e., hybrid rice plants of the first filial generation) is provided. Novel female fertile male sterile rice plants which are perennial and capable of retaining viability through the winter are planted in combination with annual female fertile male fertile restorer plants which are killed during the winter. Accordingly, the substantial expense of establishing the required male sterile plants at the beginning of each growing season effectively is eliminated. The seeds formed on the perennial male sterile plants are capable of forming annual male fertile F.sub.1 hybrid Oryza sativa plants. In preferred embodiments additional properties are incorporated into the parent rice plants (as described) which further enhance the F.sub.1 seed production.

Abstract: An improved process for the economical production of F.sub.1 hybrid Oryza sativa plants (i.e., hybrid rice plants of the first filial generation) is provided. Novel female fertile male sterile rice plants which are perennial and capable of retaining viability through the winter are planted in combination with annual female fertile male fertile restorer plants which are killed during the winter. Accordingly, the substantial expense of establishing the required male sterile plants at the beginning of each growing season effectively is eliminated. The seeds formed on the perennial male sterile plants are capable of forming annual male fertile F.sub.1 hybrid Oryza sativa plants. In preferred embodiments additional properties are incorporated into the parent rice plants (as described) which further enhance the F.sub.1 seed production.

Abstract: An improved procedure for forming F.sub.1 hybrid Oryza sativa plants (i.e., hybrid rice plants of the first filial generation) is provided which is capable of being economically implemented on a commercial scale. Plants of the seed and pollen parents each possess a combination of characteristics (as described) which readily facilitate cross-pollination in the absence of the use of labor intensive procedures such as the clippings of flag leaves. The seeds formed on each parent are recovered in bulk and are separated on the basis of a genetic marker. The hybrid rice plants of the F.sub.1 generation unlike those of the seed parent possess long flag leaves which extend upwardly to a greater maximum height than the tips of the panicles whereby photosynthesis can be accomplished on an efficient basis.

Abstract: An improved procedure for forming F.sub.1 hybrid Oryza sativa plants (i.e., hybrid rice plants of the first filial generation) is provided which is capable of being economically implemented on a commercial scale. Plants of the seed and pollen parents each possess a combination of characteristics (as described) which readily facilitate cross-pollination in the absence of the application of a growth hormone and the use of labor intensive procedures such as the clipping of flag leaves. The seeds formed on each parent are recovered in bulk and are separated on the basis of a genetic marker. The hybrid rice plants of the F.sub.1 generation unlike those of the seed parent possess long flag leaves which extend upwardly to a greater maximum height than the tips of the panicles whereby photosynthesis can be accomplished on an efficient basis.