Kanchi (CO 34) and Cauvery (CO 35)- Two New Early Varieties of Rice from Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The introduction of Taichung (Native) 1 in 1964 revolu tionised the very concept of rice breeding in India. This Taiwan indica variety possessed a very high yield potential compared to tall indica so far grown. This highlighted a break through in the yield levels possible in India with the substitution of the improved plant type that the Taichung (Native) I possessed. The improved plant type refers to the change in the architecture of the rice plant characterised by dwarfness of about 90-100 cm in height, erect habit, and a dark green foliage which increase photosynthetic efficiency and high fertilizer responsiveness resulting in high yield potential and insensitiveness to photoperiod. Introduction of new varieties like T(N) 1. from abroad may not be a permanent solution to varietal needs of the diverse agro-climatic regions and consumer preferences in India. Hence, recognising the merit of dwarfism and improved plant type a hybridisation programme was initiated at the Paddy Breeding Station, Coimbatore in 1965 with the object of infusing this desired plant type into the local improved popular strains possessing other traits of local importance and consumer preferences. Two of the early examples of the successful out-come of this bybridisation programme are the new strains KANCHI (CO 34) and CAUVERY (CO 35).