Number Of Productive Tillers Research Articles

Genetic Variability and Correlation Studies in Red Rice (Oryza sativa L.) for Yield Related Traits and Grain Zinc, Iron and Protein Content

Aims: Nutrient deficiencies, particularly zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and protein, pose severe health risks especially in children and lactating women. Red rice is significantly rich in iron, zinc and protein compared to white rice. The present investigation was undertaken in this context to elucidate information on variability and character association in red rice genotypes to identify effective selection criteria for grain yield and quality improvement of red rice genotypes. Study Design: Randomized complete block design with two replications. Place and Duration of Study: Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Brahmavar, Udupi during Kharif 2023. Methodology: A total of 108 red rice genotypes were used in the study and observations were recorded for ten characters. Protein was estimated by Kjeldhal method, zinc and iron content by Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) method. The data collected was subjected to statistical procedures using R software. Results: Analysis of variance revealed significant variation among the genotypes for all the characters studied. Grain Zn (11.4-44.7ppm), Fe (13.11-37.12ppm) and protein (5.0-11.43%) showed wide range of variability. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed for Zn, number of productive tillers per plant, Fe, grain yield per plant, number of grains per panicle and plant height. Correlation studies revealed that grain yield per plant exhibited significant positive association with yield component traits. Protein and Fe content had negative association with grain yield. Conclusion: The traits that have high PCV, GCV, heritability and genetic advance as per cent mean are controlled by additive gene action which is very valuable for selection. The traits that are positively correlated with grain yield can be used for indirect selection which aids crop improvement. Karthika, Bilihallga and Shahara genotypes have high protein, iron and zinc respectively, which can be used in the further breeding program to develop nutritionally rich varieties.

Knockout mutation in TaD27 enhances number of productive tillers in hexaploid wheat.

Recent advances allow the deployment of cluster regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated endonucleases (Cas) system for the targeted mutagenesis in the genome with accuracy and precision for trait improvement in crops. CRISPR-Cas systems have been extensively utilized to induce knockout or frameshift mutations in the targeted sequence of mostly negative regulating genes for wheat improvement. However, most of the reported work has been done in non-commercial varieties of wheat and introgression of edited alleles into breeding population comes with the penalty of unwanted linkage-drag. Wheat yield is controlled by various genes such as positive and negative regulators. The TaD27 gene is described as a negative regulator of shoot branching or tillering and involved in the biosynthesis of strigolactones. In this study, we developed Tad27 knockout mutant lines of an elite wheat cultivar that showed a twofold increase in the number of tillers and 1.8-fold increase in the number of grains per plant. Subsequently, enhancing the grain yield without any morphological penalty in the architecture of the plants. The co-transformation of regeneration enhancing growth regulator, Growth Regulating Factor 4 (GRF4) and its cofactor GRF-Interacting Factor 1 (GIF1), under single T-DNA cassette improved the regeneration efficiency up to 6% of transgenic events from mature embryos of wheat. Our results indicate that the CRISPR-mediated targeted mutagenesis confers the potential to knockout yield-related negative regulators in elite cultivars of wheat that can substantially enhance grain yield per plant and this strategy can be harnessed for the improvement of future wheat.

Assessment of genetic variability, heritability and correlation in advanced breeding lines of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) under heat stress condition

Abstract An experiment was conducted under normal (with six irrigation during crop period) and stressed condition during Rabi 2019 in All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Wheat, MARS, Dharwad, Karnataka with the view of assessing genetic variability, heritability and expected genetic advance in 104 F4 families of the cross HD2864 × DBW14. The progenies exhibited wide range of variation for all the traits indicating the presence of enough genetic variability in the material under study. Under timely sown condition, the traits like leaf waxyness, NDVI at different stages, SPAD at different stages, number of productive tillers per plant, seeds per spike, grain filling duration, spike length, thousand grains weight and seed set percentage showed high variability. The traits like plant height, canopy temperature at different stages and membrane stability index showed low variability. Under late sown condition, the traits like leaf waxyness, plant height, NDVI at different stages, SPAD at different stages, number of productive tillers per plant, seeds per spike, yield per plant, row bulk yield and seed set percentage showed high variability. The traits like days to maturity, spike length and membrane stability index showed low variability. The findings shows that all traits related to crop yield are positively linked, except for canopy temperature at different growth stages. Promising lines identified through Heat susceptibility index (HSI) and Heat tolerance index (HTI) can be utilized in future breeding programs to enhance crop productivity. Keywords: Variability, Coefficient of variation, Heritability, Genetic advance.

Unveiling genetic basis of yield and salinity tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.) through insights from generation mean analysis

Abstract Rice (Oryza sativa L) serves as a primary food source for over a billion people worldwide and is encountering challenges in yield due to the increasing global population and climate changes. Understanding the genetic variations that underlie complex traits is crucial for its enhancement and this can be accomplished through generation mean analysis. In this study, investigation was made to study the genetic mechanisms governing important quantitative traits, specifically yield and salinity tolerance in rice. The study involved six generations (P1, P2, F1, F2, B1 and B2) resulting from two crosses between three parents. The investigation specifically focused on generation mean analysis, assessing twelve traits includes days to flowering, plant height , total number of tillers , number of productive tillers , panicle length, flag leaf length, flag leaf width, number of filled grains per panicle, total number of grains per panicle, spikelet fertility, thousand-grain weight and single plant yield in the two crosses. In Cross I (ADT 45 × APD 19002), traits such as plant height, days to fifty percent flowering, total number of tillers and total number of grains per panicle exhibited opposing signs for dominance × dominance (l) and dominance (h), indicating a prevalence of duplicate epistasis. At the same time, additive and additive × additive gene effects influenced total number of tillers, plant height, total number of grains per panicle, number of filled grains per panicle and spikelet fertility. In Cross II (CO 54 × APD 19002), total number of tillers, plant height, flag leaf length, total number of grains per panicle, spikelet fertility and single plant yield suggested a predominance of duplicate epistasis. Further, the total number of grains per panicle, total number of tillers per plant, spikelet fertility and thousand-grain weight were primarily governed by additive and additive × additive gene effects. These observations show the feasibility of enhancement through selection in subsequent generations, emphasizing the necessity of integrating selection with salinity tolerance screening for the development of high-yield, salinity-tolerant rice varieties. Keywords: Scaling test, genetic effects, salinity tolerance

Effect of biochar on soil chemical properties of tidal wetland in Jambi, Indonesia, and growth and yield of various rice varieties

The study aimed to determine the effect of biochar on the growth and yield of several rice varieties in a tidal wetland agroecosystem. This research used a split-plot design with the main plot was biochar application, consisting of three levels (no biochar, rice husk biochar, and coconut shell biochar), and the subplot was rice variety consisting of ten varieties (Inpara, Inpari 30, Kuning, Karya Rendah, Bujang Pelawah, Pandan Wangi, Bujang Berinai, Kwatek Tinggi, Candu, and Serai). Plant parameters observed were plant height, number of tillers, productive tillers, panicle length, number of grains per panicle, number of empty grains per panicle, milled rice weight, and weight of 1,000 grains. Results of this study showed that the application of biochar improved soil fertility by increasing organic carbon, available phosphorus and potassium, cation exchange capacity, and reducing the soluble iron in the soil. However, the application of biochar did not significantly affect the height of rice plants. The application of coconut shell biochar yielded the best results in increasing the number of productive tillers, the number of grains per panicle, grain dry weight, and reducing the number of empty grains per panicle.

Analysis of the Application of Vitamin B1 on the Response of Salinity Stress Resistance in Several Varieties of Rice (Oryza Sativa L.)

One of the most common stresses in rice cultivation is salinity. Rice plants stressed by salinity exhibit changes such as yellowing leaves, drying tips, and chlorosis. The efforts made by the government and farmers so far include implementing cultivation scheduling techniques, planting patterns, and using stress-resistant varieties, as well as improving soil to increase water-holding capacity through lime application. Each of these efforts comes with its own risks. Another approach to enhance the growth and yield of rice plants is the application of vitamins. Providing vitamins can stimulate the growth of plant organs, as they play a crucial role in the growth process by acting as catalysts for metabolism. Research has indicated that vitamin B1 can significantly promote plant growth under stressful conditions. This study aims to investigate the positive effects of various concentrations of vitamin B1 on the growth and yield of rice plants while also reducing salinity stress. The method used involved planting three varieties of rice—IR-46, Inpari-32, and Pokkali—in planting buckets using the TABELA system. Vitamin B1 was applied at concentrations of 0, 5, and 10 mM during the peak vegetative phase, with salinity stress of 6 dS/m introduced one day after vitamin application. The plants were maintained under salinity stress conditions until harvest, during which morphological and phytochemical analyses were conducted. Morphological analysis included measurements of plant height, number of tillers, number of productive tillers, number of grains per panicle, and percentage of healthy grains. Biochemical parameters measured included total chlorophyll and electrolyte leakage analysis. The results indicate that vitamin B1 can effectively reduce stress in plants affected by salinity.

Optimizing inorganic blended fertilizer application for the maximum grain yield and profitability of bread wheat and food barley in Dawuro Zone, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract In a specific area, fertilizer application for a crop depends on the soil type and profitability. Optimizing chemical fertilizer utilization in crop production is crucial from an environmental and economic point of view. However, there is limited information available on the optimum NPSB fertilizer rate for the production of wheat and barley in the study area. Thus, the study aimed to establish area-specific NPSB (18.9% N, 16.44% P, 6.95% S, and 0.1% B) blended fertilizer rate recommendations for the optimal grain yield and profitability of wheat and barley. The field experiment was conducted in two locations in the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The nine treatments included 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 kg ha−1 NPSB fertilizer rates. Growth, yield, and yield component data in wheat and barley were collected from randomly selected individual plants and the net plot area. An economic analysis was conducted for grain yield using the procedure established by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center. The analysis of variance results showed that blended fertilizer significantly (p < 0.01) affected plant height, number of productive tillers, spike length, number of kernels, thousand seed weight, biomass yield, grain yield, and harvest index traits. The application of a 150 kg ha−1 NPSB rate produced the highest grain yield (5419.0 kg ha−1) in wheat, whereas the application of a 125 kg ha−1 NPSB rate gave the maximum grain yield (4708.0 kg ha−1) in food barley. The economic analysis revealed that the application of a 150 kg ha−1 NPSB fertilizer rate for wheat gave the highest net benefits (309711.50 ETB ha−1) and marginal rate of return (MRR) (4096.96%), while the application of a 125 kg ha−1 NPSB fertilizer rate for barley obtained the highest net benefits (184424.00 ETB ha−1) and MRR (2195.39%). Therefore, to optimize the productivity and profitability of wheat and barley in the study area and similar agroecologies, farmers are recommended to use 150 kg ha⁻¹ NPSB for wheat and 125 kg ha⁻¹ NPSB for barley.

Pertumbuhan dan Produksi Padi (Oryza sativa L) Menggunakan Berbagai Sistem Tanam Pada Varietas Yang Berbeda

Rice is the most important food crop in Indonesia. Indonesian people use rice as a daily staple, because rice contains a source of carbohydrates and energy. The aim of the research is to determine the planting systems, varieties and interactions between planting systems and varieties that provide the highest growth and production in rice plants. This research uses a 2 factor factorial design, the first factor is the planting system (S) which consists of 3 treatments: 20 x 20 cm tile planting system (S1), 25 x 25 cm tile planting system (S2), and legowo planting system 2 :1 (S3), the second factor is Variety (V) which consists of 2 treatments, namely the Ciherang Variety (V1) and the Mekongga Variety (V2). The observation parameters are plant height, number of tillers, number of productive tillers, number of perennial seeds, weight of permalai seeds, weight of 1000 grains, and weight of grain per unit. The research results showed that the Jajar Legowo 2:1 planting system gave the highest average number of tillers, namely 24.8 stems, and the highest number of productive saplings with an average of 18.9 stems. The Ciherang variety has a higher plant height and number of perennial seeds than the Mekongga variety. There is no interaction between planting system and variety.

Enhancing growth and yield attributes through bio priming approach in direct seeded rice

Sowing pregerminated and primed rice seeds was found to be advantageous in shortening the numbers of emergence, heading, and maturity days. Reduction in the maturity period of rice by 14.1 days is a significant phonological achievement. Therefore, to ensure the benefits of seed enhancing techniques on seed yield and yield components of rice (Oryza sativa L.),field experiment was conducted in Split Plot Design with four replications using PMK(R)4 with fourteen different seed biopriming liquid microbial cultures and its combinations. The results showed that the seeds soaked in equal volume of liquid microbial cultures Azospirillum+ Phosphobacteria 20% for 18hrs recorded maximum plant height at 45(29.2cm), 90DAS(105.2 cm) and harvest stages (113.3 cm). The leaf area index(10), number of productive tillers, panicle length(36.3 cm), number of spikelets per panicle (106) and panicle weight were maximum in co-inoculated priming treatment Azospirillum + Phosphobacteria and Azospirillum+ Phosphobacteria+ Silicate Solublizing Bacteria followed by Azosprillium 20% for 18hrs and minimum with non-primed seeds. Combined application of Azospirillum + Phosphobacteria was found to be most effective treatment in improving seed yield per plot(6.6g), seed yield per hectare and 1000 seed weight (24.72 g) over non-primed seeds.

Heterotic Studies for Yield and Yield Attributing Characters in Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn)

In the present investigation twelve crosses were generated by crossing three lines with four testers in Line × Tester mating design during kharif 2023 at Agricultural Research Station, Perumallapalle, Tirupati. Twelve crosses along with seven parents and check (Tirumala) were evaluated during rabi 2023-24 in Randomised Block Design with two replications at Agricultural Research Station, Perumallapalle, Tirupati. ANOVA revealed significant difference among genotypes for all characters studied. Heterosis studies helps in finding out superior hybrids over mid parent (Average heterosis), better parent (heterobeltiosis) and standard check (economic heterosis). Among the crosses, PPR1216 × VL 400 was identified as superior cross as it recorded high magnitude of per se performance and all three types of heterosis for days to 50% flowering, number of productive tillers per plant, number of fingers per ear and grain yield per plant. The heterosis will be exploited through selection of superior and character specific genotypes in the segregating generations for the evolution of high yielding varieties. Statistical analysis was carried out by using OP STAT and R Software.

Use of KASP technologies for the identification of alleles of polyphenoloxidase genes of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Aim. Characterization of recombinant inbred lines F7 Luzanivka odeska/Odeska chervonokolosa by polyphenol oxidase (PPO) genes using KASP technologies and detection of the associations of allelic differences in Ppo genes with agronomically important traits of common wheat. Methods. Competitive allele-specific PCR (KASP). Phenological observations, elements of yield structure. Results. The polymorphism of the parental genotypes and the population of recombinant inbred lines for Ppo-A1 and Ppo-D1 genes was evaluated. A polymorphism between parental forms on the Ppo-D1 gene was detected. A comparison of the data of KASP-analysis of lines with the results of evaluation of lines by eight agronomic traits of wheat was carried out. Conclusions. Differences in the alleles of the Ppo-D1 gene did not affect the traits duration of a period prior to heading, plant height, productive tillering, grain number per spike, thousand-grain weight, productive tiller number per unit area and grain yield. An increase in the grain weight per spike was observed in lines with a favorable Ppo-D1a allele. The selection of genotypes with the Ppo-D1a allele, which corresponds to the low activity of the PPO enzyme, does not have a negative effect on the agronomically important characteristics of wheat.

Pemanfaatan Analisis Komponen Utama dalam Mendeskripsikan Ciri Morfoagronomi Padi yang Berkorelasi dengan Yield

Rice is an important food crop with a crucial role in global food security. Study on correlation between morphoagronomic traits and yield is an important step in the development of superior rice varieties. Research data were collected from 20 rice varieties grown in the experimental field. A total of 10 morphoagronomic trait variables were measured, including plant height, number of productive tillers, flowering age, dry weight of biomass, hollow grain, 1,000-grain weight, grain weight, panicle number, panicle length, and harvest index. Data were analyzed using variance, correlation, and principal component analyses. The results of PCA showed that 3 principal components (PC) explained 80.88% of the data variation. PC1 was associated with plant height, flowering age, biomass dry weight, empty grain, panicle length, grain weight per clump. PC2 was associated with 1,000-grain weight and harvest index, while PC3 was associated with number of productive tillers and number of panicles. Correlation analysis showed that 1,000-grain weight was positively correlated with harvest index, while biomass dry weight was negatively correlated. These results suggest that all observed morphoagronomic traits except biomass dry weight have an important role in increasing rice yield. Furthermore, the results of this study provide basic informations for the development of high-yielding rice varieties.

Assessment of Heritability and Genetic Advance for Yield and Yield Related Traits under Different Dates of Sowing of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a self-pollinating annual plant extensively grown as staple food source in the world. Information on the extent of heritability and genetic advance among different traits of bread wheat genotypes is essential to designing breeding strategies with the objective to estimate heritability and genetic advance for different characters of bread wheat genotypes. A total of 10 bread wheat genotypes were evaluated for 15 traits sown, three at different dates in 10 days interval The first on 30 November 2022, second on 10 December 2022, and third 20 December 2022 in a Randomized Block Design with three replications at Student Instruction Farm, C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur-208002 (U.P.) during Rabi, 2022-23. in Randomized Block Design. High PCV and GCV were observed from biological yield, grain yield, plant height and productive tiller per plant high heritability estimate were recorded for grain yield per plant followed by biological yield per plant, plant height, days to 50% heading, days to maturity, number of productive tillers per plant, 1000-grain weight and number of grains per ear in both generations on individual and grain yield per plant followed by biological yield, number of productive tillers per plant, plant height, seed hardness, days to maturity in both generations on pooled basis. High genetic advance was observed for grain yield per plant and biological yield per plant in both the generation; seed hardness, number of productive tillers per plant in F1 generation and grain yield per plant and biological yield per plant in both the generation on pooled basis. Consequently, since additive gene action controls the phenotypic manifestation of certain features, those traits should receive special attention in wheat breeding programs. Grain yield will therefore be increased by direct selection for these features.

Comparative Study on Cost Analysis of Mechanical and Manual Transplanting of Rice

In Telangana, rice cultivation predominantly relies on traditional manual transplanting, which requires a significant labor force. However, the migration of agricultural laborers to urban areas in search of better wages has led to a shortage of workers, particularly during the critical transplanting season. To address this labor shortage and reduce cultivation costs, an efficient and cost-effective method of rice transplanting is essential, without compromising grain yield. To explore such a solution, Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Jammikunta, Karimnagar district, conducted 30 frontline demonstrations between 2018-19 and 2020-21, showcasing rice cultivation using a self-propelled, walk-behind six-row mechanical transplanter. The performance of this mechanical method was evaluated by collecting data on various growth parameters, including plant height, number of productive tillers per hill, panicle length, grains per panicle, and grain yield, and comparing it with traditional manual transplanting. Economic analysis revealed that the gross returns from mechanical transplanting were Rs. 135,956, compared to Rs. 128,629 for manual transplanting. Similarly, the net returns for mechanical and manual methods were Rs. 95,106 and Rs. 82,204, respectively. The benefit-cost ratio was found to be 3.32 for mechanical transplanting and 2.77 for manual transplanting. These findings indicate that mechanical rice transplanting offers a viable, cost-effective alternative, reducing labor requirements and drudgery while delivering higher yields.

Impact of Potassium Fertilization on Growth and Yield of Small Millets

Aims: To evaluate the impact of varying potassium application levels on the growth and yield of small millets and to assess the economic viability of potassium fertilization in small millet farming. Methodology: A split plot design experiment was carried out, featuring four crops as the main treatments: C1 - Proso millet, C2 - Barnyard millet, C3 - Kodo millet, and C4 - Browntop millet. Potassium fertilizer was applied at four different rates (0, 10, 20, and 30 kg/ha) as sub-treatments. Throughout the cropping period, various morpho-physiological traits were monitored, including plant height (cm), tiller count per plant, and yield-related metrics such as the number of panicles per plant, 1000-grain weight (g), and biomass production per plant (g). At harvest, yield data and yield attributes were recorded, followed by an economic analysis. Results: The results indicated that, Proso millet showed a plant height increase from 75.85 to 94.37 cm, number of productive tillers (4.73) with high potassium doses, while Barnyard millet reached a maximum height of 119.13 cm, grain yield significantly increased from 1547 kg/ha without potassium to 2055 kg/ha with the highest potassium dose. Barnyard millet (achieving the highest gross return of Rs 61650/ha and a B: C ratio of 2.20 with the highest potassium dose. Conclusion: Application of potassium 20 kg/ha, along with the recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus, recorded 31.8% higher yield, greater tolerance to lodging, reduced pest and disease incidence and remunerative economics in millet cultivation.

Growth and Production Character Response of Kuantan Singingi Local Rice Mutants Resulting from Gamma Irradiation

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a crucial crop with significant importance in various regions. In Riau, specifically in Kuantan Singingi Regency, it ranks as the fourth largest area for rice production, showcasing numerous local rice varieties with substantial development potential. This study aimed to generate mutants exhibiting early maturity and reduced plant height through gamma-ray induced mutations. A non-factorial Randomized Block Design (RAK) was employed, with the primary factor being the irradiation dose: R0 served as the control group without radiation, while the experimental group received an irradiation dose of 300 Gy, determined to be effective in prior research. Each treatment was replicated five times, utilizing a total of 600 plants per treatment. The findings indicated that rice plants subjected to 300 Gy irradiation exhibited shorter heights compared to those in the control group. Additionally, the stem circumference of plants irradiated with 300 Gy was significantly greater than that of the non-irradiated plants. Furthermore, the number of productive tillers was higher in the 300 Gy group compared to the control. However, the harvest age for rice plants exposed to 300 Gy was extended relative to those without radiation. Conversely, the length of the flag leaf in rice plants irradiated at 300 Gy was shorter than that of the control group. There remains a considerable need for data on the desired characteristics of rice mutants to facilitate advanced breeding efforts.

Genetic performance, heritability, and correlation of traits in new plant type of rice lines for highland ecosystem

Rice cultivation is crucial in providing global food needs, particularly in highland areas with distinct environmental conditions. Adapting promising rice lines suitable for highland ecosystems is essential to ensure sustainable rice production in such regions. This study assesses the agronomic performance, heritability, and correlation of traits in new promising rice lines adapted to highland ecosystems. The latest promising rice lines are designed with the unique environmental conditions of highland regions in mind. This research was conducted in Buntu Barana’ Village, Tikala Sub-district, with an elevation of 858.4 m above sea level. The study was carried out in rain-fed semi-irrigated paddy fields. The research was conducted from May 2023 to January 2024. The research methodology involves testing various agronomic traits for yield production components of the new type of promising rice lines at different highland locations. The research procedures included the selection of viable seed strains, seeding, fertilization, balanced irrigation, control of plant pest organisms, harvesting, and post-harvesting. Evaluated agronomic traits encompass plant height, days to maturity, number of productive tillers, length of panicles, number of filled grains per panicle, and grain yield. Additionally, heritability analysis is performed to assess the extent to which observed trait variations are attributed to genetic factors. Research findings reveal significant variations in agronomic traits among the new type of promising rice lines. The highest grain yield is achieved in genotype UKIT102-2-056, which is 8.3 tons per hectare of paddy rice. These lines exhibit objective adaptation to the highland ecosystem, with some lines demonstrating superior performance in specific parameters, especially early maturity, namely 97 days after planting. Heritability analysis indicates that certain traits have high heritability levels, suggesting a significant role of genetic factors in controlling these traits. Furthermore, this study unveils correlation patterns among the observed agronomic traits. Significant positive and negative correlations among several traits indicate complex interrelationships among these agronomic characteristics. These findings offer further insights into the relationships between these traits and can be utilized to develop more adaptive rice lines in highland environments.

Study of Variability and Correlation for Yield Attributing and Grain Quality Characters in Aromatic Short Grain Rice

This study was conducted in kharif, 2023 at the Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad, it involved 42 breeding lines and 3 checks in an Augmented Randomized Block Design. This study evaluates genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance as percent of mean were recorded for all the traits, that revealed high PCV (22.16%) and GCV (20.96%) were recorded by grain yield per plant. Significant variability was observed in traits such as plant height, grain yield per plant, and kernel length, while high heritability coupled with genetic advance as percent of mean were noted for traits like plant height (96.20%;25.44%) and grain yield (89.48%;40.91%), indicating these characters could be improved through selection. Correlation analysis revealed that grain yield per plant shows a positive association with days to 50% flowering, plant height, panicle length, number of productive tillers, 1000 grain weight, hulling percentage, head rice recovery, kernel L/B ratio and amylose content suggesting importance should be given to these characters, during selection for improving yield and quality traits of aromatic short grain rice.

PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN PADI GOGO (Oryza sativa L.) PADA TANAH PODSOLIK (ULTISOL) YANG DIAPLIKASIKAN ZEOLIT FLY ASH

The low productivity of upland rice on Podzolic (Ultisol) soil is caused by various constraints including low pH, the content of macronutrient N, P, K, Ca and Mg, BS and CEC were low, solubility and high Al saturation, high P fixation, delicate to erosion and water availability were low. Applied of zeolite synthesized from coal fly ash with high CEC is expected to overcome these constraints. The high negative charge on zeolite contributes to increasing soil absorption of nutrients provided or dissolved from soil minerals and decomposition of organic matter. The study was conducted experimentally using a completely randomized design, zeolite fly ash as the treatment consisting of 6 levels (0, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 kg ha-1) each repeated 3 times. The results showed that the application of zeolite fly ash dose 100-300 kg.ha-1 tends increased the plant height, filled grain number per panicle, the percentage of filled grain and 1000 grain weight compared without zeolite application and the highest increased showed in the number of maximum tillers and productive tillers and weight of milled dry grain per clump was obtained at a dose of 200 kg.ha-1 compared without zeolite is 45, 107 and 106% respectively.

Potential of Black Rice Mutants (M4) Through Genetic Parameters to Develop Superior Drought-Resistant Varieties

Rice plays an important role in meeting carbohydrate requirement and calorie needs to ensure food security. However, in recent years, rice productivity has decreased due to land conversion and climate change such as El Niño. The productivity of drought-resistant rice can be increased through breeding. Genetic diversity and heritability are important genetic parameters in the plant breeding process. Information about genetic diversity and heritability helps determine genetic progress through selection. This research aims to examine the potential genetic diversity and heritability of several mutant lines (M4) of black rice (G10) in order to develop superior rice varieties that are adaptive to dry land. In this research, we used experimental methods using a Randomized Block Design (RBD), calculating the value of the Genetic Diversity Coefficient (GDC) and heritability between quantitative characters. The results of narrow genetic research were found in the characteristics of the number of productive tillers and weight of 100 grains, while high heritability was found in the characters of plant height, moderate heritability was found in the total number of tillers, panicle length, number of empty grains per panicle, and weight of 100 grains. Overall, this research succeeded in identifying mutant lines (M4) of black rice (G10) which have the potential to be developed into superior varieties, especially for cultivation in dry land.