Identification of Dryland Local Rice Varieties and Their Advantages Based on Agronomic Characters

Abstract

The information on rice genetic material is needed to create new high-yielding varieties adaptive to dryland. Local rice genetic resources have been tested to be tolerant under conditions affected by global climate change (increased temperature, pest/disease attacks, droughts). This study aims to identify and characterize the agronomic character of local rice in Musi Rawas (MURA) and North MURA Regencies, South Sumatra. The results of identification and characterization, as well as correlation and regression analysis, revealed that three local varieties have agronomic characteristics that determine high-yield local rice productivity. This information can be utilized by breeders to create new superior varieties of rice in dryland. The agronomic characteristics of three local rice varieties that determine productivity are the area of the flag leaf and the number of filled grain/panicles. Local varieties with superior agronomic characteristics are Siam, Bolouh, and Gel. These three varieties have the potential to be used as parents in the creation of new high-yielding varieties that are specific, namely having broad flag leaves and a high number of filled grains/panicles. The acquisition of new high-yielding varieties specific to dryland through a breeding program will increase the choice of varieties for stakeholders and support increased rice production in dryland.