Screening of rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes for root characters related to drought tolerance and its association with yield under aerobiccondition

Abstract

problem in major rice growing areas where there is acute scarcity of water and in rainfed areas where cultivation depends on the seasonal rainfall. So, in order to overcome the scarcity of water for rice cultivation, breeders have made prompt efforts to breed the genotypes which can tolerate the drought stress condition. So, to develop such an efficient breeding programme, selecting the plants with desirable root characters is one of the major objectives that enables plants to withstand stress condition. Hence, the present investigation was carried under aerobic condition to evaluate 21 aerobic genotypes released by recognized agricultural institutes/universities for drought tolerance whose potentiality conferred by root traits and also correlation studies with grain yield by taking field trial involving the same genotypes. The root studies can be done in PVC pipes as well as in polythene bags. Eight genotypes viz., MAS-26, MAS -946-1, CR DHAN-204, CR DHAN- 206, CR DHAN-210, DRR DHAN-41, DRR DHAN 54, DRR DHAN-55 and one check variety Belgaum Basmati showed significantly superior mean values for most of root traits. The grain yield had positive significant association with root length, root volume, root/shoot ratio and root number indicating the perfect criteria for selection for genetic improvement for drought tolerance. Therefore, for efficient breeding programme suitable for drought tolerance these genotypes can be potential donors in drought resistance breeding programme. &nbsp