Researchers at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines have been working to reconcile these interests by developing a perennial rice plant for the uplands which would provide both food and erosion control. After two years of screening, all tested accessions of O.longistaminata survived, showing the ability of the species as a whole to survive drought. But in O.rufipogon, strong differences in survival capability appeared, with the best individuals being from India and Myanmar. Fifteen surviving individuals were selected based on their vigour and ability to regrow after cutting. These, and accessions of O.longistaminata, are being used as donors of perenniality in crosses with upland cultivars of the cultivated rice O.sativa.
Animals react better to robots than humans.
Their research has shown that animals respond well to machines, finding them less threatening than humans and other animals. In the light of this discovery the team has gone on to develop a world first, a robot, called Rover, which can successfully herd a flock of ducks. The robot itself is a vertical cylinder on wheels and is designed to work outdoors on short grass. The system comprises a robot vehicle, computer and camera. Images from the camera are analysed by the computer programme to find the positions of the robot and flock.