The wide geographical distribution of the rice
plant ( Oryza sativa L.) and its long history of
cultivation in Asian countries have led to the de- velopment of a great diversity of varietal types.
Similarly, workers in various rice-growing coun- tries use different terms to designate identical
morphological and physiological characters, agro- nomic traits, gene symbols, and cultural practices.
Whereas varietal diversity in germ plasm is desired
in rice breeding, variations in nomenclature hinder
scientific communication among the workers.
Workers long have recognized the need for uni- formity in genetic nomenclature of rice. This led
the International Rice Commission in 1959 to adopt
a set of genetic symbols. Comprehensive reviews
of genetic studies and linkage analysis have been
published. The International Rice Research Insti- tute has now assumed the task of monitoring gene
symbols.
This publication (1) proposes a set of reason- ably definitive terms that adequately describe the
various parts of the rice plant and its processed
products, (2) defines varietal characteristics that
are useful in identification and classification, and
(3) describes a number of commonly observed