Hybrid rice production utilizing perennial male sterile rice plants

An improved process for the economical production of F1 hybrid Oryza sativa plants (i.e., hybrid rice plants of the first filial generation) is provided. Novel female fertile male sterile rice plants which are perennial and capable of retaining viability through the winter are planted in combination with annual female fertile male fertile restorer plants which are killed during the winter. Accordingly, the substantial expense of establishing the required male sterile plants at the beginning of each growing season effectively is eliminated. The seeds formed on the perennial male sterile plants are capable of forming annual male fertile F1 hybrid Oryza sativa plants. In preferred embodiments additional properties are incorporated into the parent rice plants (as described) which further enhance the F1 seed production.