The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has
large collections of characterized rice germplasm. These
germplasm could be used to develop breeding lines with
desirable traits, and they are available to other countries.
Several of IRRI germplasm have been used for improvement
of rice breeding programs in Thailand. Understanding
the genetic diversity and genetic relationships
among Thai and IRRI germplasm is useful for parent selection
to produce hybrids or to improve rice population
(Moose and Mumm 2008). Although Thailand is famous
for its rice, genetic characterizations of Thai rice at the
molecular level are very limited. Therefore, the aims of
this study were to evaluate the level of genetic diversity
and to assess genetic relationships of Thai rice germplasm,
and germplasm with desirable traits obtained
from IRRI.