Reynante L. Ordonio, PhD.

1. To backcross the F1/BC1 materials (containing edited Sweet11, Sweet13 and Sweet14 genes) with the respective backgrounds (NSIC Rc 216 or NSIC Rc 160) up to the BC4F4 generation;

2. To perform marker-assisted selection for foreground markers for Sweet11, Sweet13 and Sweet14; and

3. To phenotype lines using three Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzae (Xoo) races for trait confirmation

The BL2 Screenhouse is within the premises and under total control of PhilRice-CES.

Access to the BL2 screen house will be given to project staff and authorized personnel and to DOST-BC-approved visitors. Only one entry point will be provided, which will be secured at all times. Movement of people within the area will also be documented. A logbook will be maintained in the BL2 screen house to record the entry of personnel and their activities. Moreover, the BL2 screenhouse facility will be inspected regularly to ensure adequate protection against rats, birds, etc.

Harvested seeds of gene-edited lines and progenies from the BL2 screen house will be kept in sealed/locked containers separate from other ordinary materials. Movement of all materials will be done in compliance with all the relevant biosafety and phytosanitary requirements of the Philippine Government.

Excess seed materials for disposal will be placed in sealed net bags and heat-killed by boiling for 10 minutes. Stubbles from BL2- grown plants for disposal will be dried inside the screenhouse. Plant materials for disposal will be put in the designated concrete compost bin near the area.

Any unplanned activity will be monitored and reported. There will be a logbook and other monitoring systems. Accidental release will be taken care of by cleaning the contaminated area. A thorough investigation of accidental release will be conducted to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. In the extreme event of an accident arising at the field site, all plant materials in the experimental plots will be plowed back into the soil. Any case of sabotage will be immediately reported to the appropriate authorities.