Diversity, utilization and cultural significance of purple rice in northeastern Thailand

Abstract

Fifteen cultivars of purple rice, including eleven of glutinous rice and four of non-glutinous rice, were studied for diversity, culture, and utilization in Northeastern Thailand. The morphological study found a difference in terms of color of leaf blade, leaf sheath, ligule, leaf collar, auricle, and husk and grain width and length.  28 morphological characteristics were used for the purple rice classification using UPGMA method and Principal Coordinate Analysis by NTSYS program. The results of the analysis showed the genetic similarity at 0.54-0.87 which could be divided into 3 groups. The purple rice is a source of household income of the farmers. A certain amount of the rice is spared and exchanged for ritual purposes. The purple rice is believed to be sacred among the Northeastern farmers. They hold high regard of it as a queen of rice due to it can be grown only during the annual planting season. The farmers believe that the purple rice protects other rice varieties from diseases and insect pests; acts as an insect repellant, and induces the white rice growth. In terms of utilization, the purple rice can be consumed either as a staple diet or as a healthy drink. Moreover, the purple rice can be used as a kind of herbs for its medicinal property. The result demonstrated that diversity of the purple rice has both cultural and ecological significances. In addition, it can be shown as sa geographic indicator. Thus, it is recommended that further studies concerning promotion and conservation of local wisdom relating to the purple rice diversity, utilization and significance should be encouraged by both government and private sectors.