Tiller profile diversity of upland rice germplasm in ICABIOGRAD gene bank

Abstract

Tillering ability is an important agronomic trait that determines the yield of rice. Tiller type in rice is categorized as primary, secondary and tertiary tiller which produces panicle at generative phase. Tillering ability as well as the tiller type varies between varieties, especially among germplasms. Our study aimed to identify the tiller profile diversity of upland rice germplasm in ICABIOGRAD Genebank. A total of 100 accessions of local upland rice varieties were planted in a randomized completely block design with two replications under greenhouse condition. The number of tiller from each type was observed weekly from 35 to 63 days after sowing (DAS). The result of the study showed that the number of primary tiller increased slowly from 35 DAS until 63 DAS. After 49 DAS there was no significant addition in secondary tiller number. Generally, the average mean number of tertiary tiller accross the accessions was far below compared to the number of primary and secondary tiller. The highest number of primary tiller, i.e. 8, was expressed by Pae Daye Indolobye (North Sulawesi), Padi Pulut Pute Iteung (East Kalimantan) and K. Puyuk (Central Kalimantan). Up to 22 secondary tillers were formed by Gadabung, a local upland rice variety from Central Kalimantan. Information on tillering ability of local upland variety will benefit rice breeder for selecting appropriate accessions as a gene source for breeding.