Agro-morphological and quality characterization of indigenous and exotic aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasm

Abstract

For establishment of the distinctness among 64 aromatic rice germplasm, 35 agro-morphological and quality traits were used. Most of the studied traits showed wide variation among the germplasm. Purple colour of auricles and ligule was found in only one genotype, while light purple colour of auricles was recorded in four genotypes. White colour of stigma was recorded in 57 accessions, whereas purple stigma was observed in six accessions. Awns present in 31 accessions. The weight of 1000 grains, which is one of the most important yield attributing traits showed wide variation among accessions, and ranges from very low to very high weight. Grain: length and decorticated grain: length showed high variation and ranges from very short to long type, while grain: width and decorticated grain: width showed somewhat little variation among the genotypes. Extra long slender type grain shape was observed in 27 accessions. White type of decorticated grain colour was found in 55 genotypes, while light red and red colour was observed in only three genotypes. The present study concluded that all sixty four accessions were found to be distinct on the basis of thirty one agro-morphological and quality traits. Accessions having short stem length, very long panicle length, more number of panicle per plant, and extra long slender grain may be used as potential donor in hybridization programmes. This study will be useful for breeders, researchers and farmers toidentify and choose the restoration and conservation of beneficial genes for crop improvement.