Aromatic Rice Varieties Research Articles

Molecular Characterization and Genetic Diversity Analysis of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Using SSR Markers

Assessment of genetic diversity and molecular characterization among elite rice varieties of Bangladesh is very important for germplasm management, varietal identification, and DNA fingerprinting. Thirty-four microsatellite markers were studied across 21 types of rice to characterize and discriminate among different varieties. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 11, with an average of 4.18 alleles across 34 loci. A total of 57 rare alleles were detected at 24 loci, whereas 42 unique alleles were detected at 20 loci. The results revealed that 14 rice varieties produced unique alleles that could be used for identification, molecular characterization, and DNA fingerprinting of these varieties. Polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.157 to 0.838, with an average of 0.488, which revealed that much variation was present among the studied varieties. The PIC values revealed that RM401 might be the best marker for identification and diversity estimation of rice varieties, followed by RM566, RM3428, RM463, and RM8094 markers. The UPGMA cluster dendrogram created in this study identified five clusters with a similarity coefficient of 0.50. The SSR polymorphism and diversity could likely be attributed to pedigree. In this study, eight SSR markers (RM10713, RM279, RM424, RM6266, RM1155, RM289, RM20224, and RM5371) were identified that produced specific alleles only in the aromatic rice varieties and were useful for varietal identification and DNA fingerprinting of these varieties. The findings of this study should be useful for varietal identification and could help in background selection in backcross breeding programs.

Effect of Temperature during Grain Filling Stage on Endosperm Structure and Apperance Quality of Aromatic Rice

Based on the experiment of two inbred aromatic rice varieties and one hybrid aromatic rice line treated under four different temperatures( daymean temperature 21°C, 23°C, 26°C and 30°C respectively) during grain filling stage in phytotrons, the shape and arrangement of endosperm starch granules in rice grain transection were observed by scanning electron microscope and the related characteristics of rice grain qualities of chalky percent and chalkiness were analyzed at the same time. The results showed that under the lower temperature( daymean temperature21°C and 23°C), many large compound starch granules with clear angulars packed together regularly without significant natural gaps bewteen starch granules in the tansectional endosperm. However, with the increase of temperature, starch granules in the transectional endosperm were changed from regularly shaped and closely and orderly arranged to various shaped and chaoticly arranged with obvious natural gaps between starch granules, which was closely consistent with the poorer appearance quality under the higher temperature, which indicated that the endosperm structure is closely related with appearance quality of aromatic rice.

Quality characterisation and estimation of phytochemicals content and antioxidant capacity of aromatic pigmented and non-pigmented rice varieties

Two pigmented and two non-pigmented aromatic rice varieties were analysed for physical dimensions, physicochemical properties, colour, viscosity changes while cooking, phytochemicals content and antioxidant capacities. The rices were also evaluated for the effect of cooking on phytochemicals content and antioxidant capacities. While Bakul joha (BJ) and Keteki joha (KJ) varieties are non-pigmented, Poreiton chakhao (PC) is purple coloured and Chak-hao-amubi (CA) is red coloured. The varieties differed in size and shape of the kernels; varying from tiny to big in size, short to long in length, and round to bold in shape. KJ contained the highest amount of protein (9.9%) and PC had the maximum amount of fat (2.1%). Non pigmented rices were of high amylose and of high pasting profile parameters and the pigmented ones were of vice-versa nature. Highest levels of total phenolics, total flavonoid content and ferric reducing antioxidant property (FRAP) were observed in CA (579.00mg GAE 100−1g, 220.5mg QE 100−1g and 5.45mM 100−1g respectively); PC recorded maximum levels of anthocyanin content (35.87mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent 100−1g). Both PC and CA possessed good DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity with 94.19% and 96.43% abilities, respectively. Cooking drastically reduced the phytochemicals and antioxidant capacities. These properties further decreased with keeping time of the cooked rices; PC, however, retained maximum amounts compared to others. The study revealed wide differences in the properties of the aromatic rices. PC (purple) was superior to CA (red) for cumulative phytochemicals content and antioxidant properties.

Biochemical Traits and Physico-Chemical Attributes of Aromatic-Fine Rice in Relation to Yield Potential

Aromatic rice has great potential to attract rice consumer for its taste and deliciousness, and high price to boost up the economic condition of the rice grower in the developing countries. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the morpho-physiological and biochemical attributes in relation to yield potentials of fine aromatic rice varieties in Bangladesh. Two aromatic fine rice cultivars, Ukunmadhu and Kataribough (local land races), one hybridized variety BRRIdhan-32 and one mutant variety Binasail were used in the experiment. The results revealed that rice varieties BRRIdhan-32 and Binasail showed the greater number of branches of panicle, grain size, grain yield and harvest index as compared to aromatic varieties. On the other hand, aromatic rice showed taller plant stature, more tiller, plant biomass and larger panicle but lower number of primary and secondary branches, grain size, yield and harvest index. The biochemical attributes namely chlorophyll and soluble protein content were higher at vegetative stage as compared to panicle initiation and flowering stages. The aromatic rice Kataribhough and Ukonmondhu contained higher amount of total free amino acid as compared to that of Binasail and BRRIdhan32. Other biochemical parameters namely nitrate reductase activity (NRA), total sugar and free amino acid contents were higher at flowering stage compared to those contained at tillering and panicle initiation stages. Physico-chemical properties of grain viz. length, breadth, L/B ratio, nitrogen (%) and protein (%) were significantly higher in fine rice as compared to aromatic rice. From the results it may be concluded that the high yielding varieties were more efficient in transfer of photosynthate to the grain i.e. economic yield and that is why BRRIdhan32 recorded the highest yield. Poor yield in Ukonmodhu and Kataribhough was due to low harvest index indicating minimum translocation of assimilates to the grains.

A new, high-yielding mutant aromatic rice variety, Khushboo 95

Rice is grown on 2.5 million ha in Pakistan. The average yield is 2.1 t ha -1 . During the 1960s, with the introduction of semidwarf varieties IR6 and IR8, yields doubled and most of the traditional fine-grained aromatic varieties went out of cultivation. However, Basmati 370, a traditional scented variety, survived to a certain extent. Another local aromatic variety, Jajai 77, is very popular with consumers in the province of Sindh. This variety is tall, has weak stems, and is susceptible to lodging. The most logical approach to remove these defects without impairing grain quality is to reduce plant height through induced mutation, a technique that proved successful in improving various agronomic traits in rice (Mustafa et al 1997, Singh et al 1997, Wen et al 1996, Baloch et al 2001).

Basmati 2000- an extra long-grained aromatic rice variety in Punjab, Pakistan

Basmati 385 and Super Basmati are the main Basmati varieties grown in Punjab Province. Basmati 385 is an early-maturing and high-yielding variety, but it has long grain, which cannot compete with the extra longgrained Indian varieties. Super Basmati, on the other hand, is not well liked by farmers because it is harder to thresh and gives a lower yield than Basmati 385. However, being an extra longgrained variety with excellent cooking quality, it fetches a high price in the domestic and international markets. Breeding efforts were thus directed to producing a high-yielding Basmati variety with stiff stems, extra long grains, and excellent cooking and eating qualities.

Effect of Temperature on Starch Accumulation and Activities of Starch Synthetic Key Enzymes during Grain-Filling Stage of Aromatic Rice

Changes of the content of starch, amylose and the activities of 3 key enzymes involved in starch synthetic metabolism in developing rice grains under four different temperature in phytotrons during grain filling stage of two aromatic rice varieties were studied. The results showed that compared with that under the lower temperature (21°C and 23°C), the content of starch and amylose and the activities of SBE and GBSS under higher temperatures (26°Cand 30°C) were generally higher at the beginning of the grain filling stage and obviously lower during the middle and late grain filling stage, with the exception of the activity SSS which were always higher under lower temperature. The relationship between the changes of activities of SSS, SBE and the variation of starch accumulating rate was very close and so did the relationship between GBSS activity and the amylose content. The lower activities of SSS, SBE and GBSS during the middle and late grain filling stage may be the key physiological factors which lead to the poorer progress quality and appearance quality of aromatic rice under high temperature.

Application of the CSM-CERES-Rice model for evaluation of plant density and nitrogen management of fine transplanted rice for an irrigated semiarid environment

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance of the cropping system model (CSM)-CERES-Rice to simulate growth and development of an aromatic rice variety under irrigated conditions in a semiarid environment of Pakistan and to determine the impact of various plant densities and nitrogen (N) application rates on grain yield and economic return. The crop simulation model was evaluated with experimental data collected in experiments that were conducted in 2000 and 2001 in Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with three replications and included three plant densities (one seedling hill−1, PD1; two seedlings hill−1, PD2; and three seedlings hill−1, PD3) and five N fertilizer regimes (control, N0; 50 kg ha−1, N50; 100 kg ha−1, N100; 150 kg ha−1, N150; and 200 kg ha−1, N200). To determine the most appropriate combination of plant density and N levels, four plant densities from one seedling hill−1 to four seedlings hill−1 and 13 N levels ranging from 0 to 300 kg N ha−1 (52 scenarios) were simulated for 35 years of historical daily weather data under irrigated conditions. The evaluation of CSM-CERES-Rice showed that the model was able to simulate growth and yield of irrigated rice in the semiarid conditions, with an average error of 11% between simulated and observed grain yield. The results of the stimulation analysis result showed that two seedlings hill−1 along with 200 kg N ha−1 (PD2N200) produced the highest yield as compared to all other scenarios. Furthermore, the economic analysis through the mean gini dominance also showed the dominance of this treatment (PD2N200) compared to the other treatment combinations. Thus, the management scenario that consisted of two seedlings hill−1 and 200 kg N ha−1 was the best for high yield and monitory return of irrigated rice in the semiarid environment. The mean monetary returns ranged from 291 US $ ha−1 to 1 460 US $ ha−1 among the 52 production options that were simulated. This approaching was demonstrated as effective way to optimize the density and N management for high yield and monetary return. It will help the rice production.

Spatio-temporal Analysis of Indian Basmati Rice Trade and its Comparison with Pakistan

Basmati rice is a unique and high value grain crop. It is a traditional export crop of India holding an important position in India's agricultural export basket. Due to the Himalayan agro-climate its cultivation is limited only to India and Pakistan. This study attempts to analyze the spatio-temporal features of India's Basmati rice trade and its global competitiveness. Further, it also undertakes a comparative analysis of Basmati rice trade of India vis-a-vis its sole competitor, Pakistan. The main findings of the study are that as Basmati is a premium product its existing markets would continue to hold. Secondly, despite some inherent problems, Basmati exports from India are increasing temporally and spatially. Thirdly, the quantum of Basmati exports has not only been determined by competition between India and Pakistan, but also influenced by issues such as hoarding, adulteration and change in tastes for other aromatic rice varieties. Fourthly, it is a highly competitive rice variety compared to non-Basmati, but over the last few years its competitiveness has been declining. Lastly, Pakistan with its several supply constraints has been giving a stiff competition to India's Basmati.

Physio-morphological Appraisal of Aromatic Fine Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Relation to Yield Potential

A field experiment was conducted to determine the physio-morphological attributes in relation to yield potential of modern and aromatic rice varieties. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five replications. The results indicated that physio-morphological attributes, yield and yield contributing characters were varied among the varieties. The modern rice varieties BRRIdhan32 and Binasail showed larger grains, rice yield, biomass production and harvest index as compared to aromatic fine rice varieties. On the other hand, aromatic rice varieties showed tallest plant stature, profuse tillers hill-1, panicle hill-1 and larger panicle but smaller grain, higher grain yield, lowest straw yield and harvest index. Modern rice varieties generally had higher Total Dry Matter (TDM), Leaf Area Index (LAI), Leaf Area Ratio (LAR), Crop Growth Rate (CGR), Relative Growth Rate (RGR) whereas aromatic varieties resulted in higher Net Assimilation Rate (NAR). The results concluded that the modern rice varieties were more efficient in transfer of photosynthate to economic sink. The highest grain yield of modern rice varieties was due to the higher harvest index. Poor yield in aromatic rice varieties was due to lower translocation of assimilates. However, they have some characters viz., weak culms, drooping leaves, lodging which influence low yield. The results suggested that breeding programme may be undertaken to eliminate those defective characters for developing improved aromatic rice varieties.

香り米と茶豆特有の香り成分2APの生成を制御する機構の解明

香り米と茶豆特有の香り成分2APの生成を制御する機構の解明

GENOTYPIC VARIATION FOR PRODUCTIVITY, ZINC UTILIZATION EFFICIENCIES, AND KERNEL QUALITY IN AROMATIC RICES UNDER LOW AVAILABLE ZINC CONDITIONS

Zinc (Zn) has emerged as the plant nutrient limiting rice growth in several parts of the world. About 50% of world soils are deficient in Zn and this is also true for India. An analysis of 0.233 million samples taken from different states showed that 47% of Indian soils are deficient in Zn. In India, Zn deficiency is widespread, especially in the rice–wheat cropping system belt of North India, which has high pH calcareous soils. Zinc is also now recognized as the fifth leading health risk factor is developing Asian countries, where rice is the staple food and Zn nutrition of humans and animals has recently received considerable attention. However, no reports are available on the effect of Zn fertilization on kernel quality of aromatic rices. The present study was therefore undertaken to study the effect of Zn fertilization on yield attributes, grain, and straw yield, Zn concentrations in grain and straw, Zn uptake, Zn use indices and kernel qualities of the aromatic rices. A field study at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India showed that Pusa Sugandh 4 (‘PS 4’) is a better than the earlier developed aromatic rice variety Pusa Basmati 1 (‘PB 1’) in terms of grain yield (4.08 tonnes ha−1), kernel quality, zinc (Zn) concentrations in grain and Zn uptake (1,396.9 g ha−1), recovery efficiency (5.2%), agronomic efficiency (122.7 kg grain increase kg−1 Zn applied), partial factor productivity (1,064.7 kg grain kg−1 Zn applied) and physiological efficiency (39,625 kg grain kg−1 Zn uptake) of applied Zn. From the grain yield (4.64 tonnes ha−1) viewpoint an application of 5 kg Zn ha−1 was found sufficient for the aromatic rices grown on ustochrepts of north Indian rice-wheat cropping system belt. Application of 7.5 kg Zn ha−1 increased Zn concentrations in the grain (37.0 mg kg−1 DM) and straw (117.3 mg kg−1 DM) of aromatic rices studied and this is important from the human and animal nutrition viewpoint under Indian conditions.

Grain Quality Evaluation and Organoleptic Analysis of Aromatic Rice Varieties of Goa, India

Rice grain quality characteristics such as physical (hulling, length and breadth (L/B), grain classification,chalkiness, chalk index), chemical (alkali spreading value (ASV), amylose content (AC), gel consistency (GC),aroma), cooking (volume expansion, elongation ratio (ER), water uptake) and organoleptic-tests based onconsumer preferences like appearance, cohesiveness, tenderness on touching, chewing, taste, aroma, elongationand overall acceptability were studied for fourteen aromatic rice varieties. The higher hulling percentage wasrecorded in ‘Ek-Kadi’ (82.46%) and ‘Ghansal’ (80.96%). The Length/Breadth (L/B) ratio among the varietiesranged from 2.08-4.85. No chalkiness was recorded in ‘Ghansal’, ‘Kotimirsal’ and ‘Pusa sugandh-2’. Among thevarieties examined AC was ranged from 17.26-27.69%. The highest GC was recorded in ‘Ghansal’ and lowest in‘Pusa Basmati-1’. Kernel length after cooking (KLAC) ranged from 2.31-5.88 mm. Water uptake ratio wasranged from 250-350. Organoleptic-test revealed that the varieties ‘Basmati local’, ‘Jiresal’, ‘Kotimirsal’, ‘PusaBasmati-1’, ‘Pusa Sugandh-2’, ‘Pusa Sugandh-3’, ‘Pusa Sugandh-5', ‘Kasturi’ and ‘Vasumati’ were withexcellent grain quality characteristics, preference and overall acceptability.

Origin and Genetic Diversity of Aromatic Rice Varieties, Molecular Breeding and Chemical and Genetic Basis of Rice Aroma

Aroma is an important quality attribute of rice and is a key determinant of its market value. Among the different groups of aromatic rice varieties ‘Basmati’ from the Indian subcontinent and ‘Jasmine’ from Thailand occupy prime position in the international market. In addition, there are a large number of premium short-grain aromatic rice varieties cultivated by farmers in India and South-East Asia that have not been fully commercially utilised as yet. The origin and evolution of aromatic rice varieties is being unravelled by application of genomic tools. The common alleles of aroma gene seem to have their origin in the aromatic group of rice varieties native to the Sub-Himalayan region. Of more than two hundred volatile compounds present in the rice grain, 2-acetyl-l-pyrolline (2-AP) is considered as the key aroma compound present in almost all the aromatic rice varieties. However, there is significant variation in the type and intensity of aroma in the different groups of aromatic rice varieties suggesting involvement of additional chemical compounds in varying proportions. Studies have been undertaken to understand the genetics of rice aroma and to map the genes or quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling aroma expression. Of the three mapped aroma QTL, qaro8.1 located on rice chromosome S is the most significant and it represents a non-functional allele of BADH2 gene coding for enzyme betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase. Functional allele of the BADH2 gene makes rice non-aromatic. Similarly, specific alleles of BADH1 gene located on rice chromosome 4 within the aroma QTL qaro4.1 show association with the aromatic rice varieties. The gene underlying QTL qaro3.1 on chromosome 3 has not yet been deciphered. Functional molecular markers have been developed for the major aroma QTL on chromosome S and marker-assisted breeding for high yielding aromatic rice varieties is now a reality. To safeguard the reputation of Basmati rice an international code of practice has been developed where DNA markers help check the purity of commercial samples. There is need to use advanced genomic and metabolomic approaches to further study the minor genes controlling rice aroma and understand the variation in type, intensity and stability of rice aroma. It is also required to improve the production and marketing of short grain aromatic rice varieties.

Chemical Constituents and Post-Harvest Prospects of Pandanus amaryllifolius Leaves: A Review

The leaves of Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb. are widely used for flavoring food items. Extensive work has been done on agro parameters and propagation techniques as well as isolation and identification of the important chemical constituents such as volatile compounds, proteins, alkaloids and flavonoids. This review focuses on the possibilities of using the leaves in food and nonfood industries with particular reference to its aroma component. The major aromatic compound, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, has commercial significance as a flavor constituent that imparts the characteristic aroma of scented rice varieties such as basmati rice in India and in several Asian rice varieties. The compound can be added to nonaromatic rice varieties and other food formulations. The location and concentration of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline in both Pandanus amaryllifolius and aromatic rice has been studied, as has the feasibility of extraction of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline using different methodologies. The different methods for processing and preservation of this flavor compound are reviewed as are the application potential for flavor enrichment. Further, the therapeutic value of Pandanus amaryllifolius leaves and their importance in other areas as a source of phytochemicals and insecticide has also been documented.

Comparative analysis of some biochemical responses of three indica rice varieties during polyethylene glycol-mediated water stress exhibits distinct varietal differences

Extensive investigation into plant response and adaptation to diverse osmotic stresses like high salt/dehydration/low temperature, involving a broad spectrum of cellular physiological and biochemical changes, is essential to unravel intrinsic mechanism to mitigate against such stresses. In our previous communications, we conducted biochemical analyses of indica rice varieties, subjected to exogenous salt/abscisic acid-mediated oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to compare differential biochemical responses of the salt-sensitive (IR-29), salt-tolerant (Pokkali) and aromatic (Pusa Basmati or PB) rice varieties during polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced dehydration stress. The greater susceptibility of IR-29 and PB, to water scarcity, was reflected by the higher toxic Na+ and putrescine accumulation, considerable decrease in (reduced/oxidized) glutathione, maximal increment in protease activity and greater downregulation of nitrate reductase activity. On the other hand, Pokkali appeared to suffer lesser damages as evidenced from much lower endogenous Na+ but higher K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ accumulation, registering the highest levels of osmolytes like glycinebetaine and higher polyamines (spermidine and spermine) accounting to improved relative water content, higher (reduced/oxidized) glutathione, maximal induction of the enzyme phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and practically unhindered nitrate reductase activity, following PEG treatment. The highest induction of sugars and proline in IR-29 and PB probably played the osmoprotective/antioxidative functions, enabling to a certain extent to heighten their lipoxygenase inhibition or H2O2 scavenging potential, more than Pokkali, to ward off oxidative damages and sustain survival under critical dehydrated situations. Thus, the salt-tolerant Pokkali also showed prominent dehydration-tolerance properties, whereas the aromatic rice PB, almost identical in their biochemical responses to IR-29, showed greater sensitivity to PEG-mediated water deficit.

Comparative assessment of SSR diversity in aromatic rice germplasm

The genetic diversity in 370 aromatic rice germplasms introduced from home and abroad, was investigated by using a total of 60 SSR markers. 361 alleles were detected, with the number of alleles (Na) per loci ranging from 2 to 10. The Nei's genetic diversity index (He) among loci varied widely from 0.104 at RM308 to 0.885 at RM2634 with an average value of 0.663. There was an obvious difference in SSR allelic diversity between indica and japonica rice. Indica rice showed more variation than japonica rice both for Na and He. Meanwhile, the genetic diversity of the landraces was higher than that of the improved varieties, and Na of the improved varieties was 86.5% of the landraces. Analysis of molecular variance indicated that 43.08% of the variation was from genetic differences between subspecies. It was also demonstrated that the genetic differentiation among different rice ecological regions ranged from 1.69% to 14.40%. There was significant differentiation between Southern China and Southwestern China, Central China and Southwestern China, respectively. Cluster analysis showed that 370 aromatic rice varieties were mainly classified into indica and japonica, and aromatic rice varieties from the same areas or the neighboring provinces were basically assigned to the same group.

Development of a simple functional marker for fragrance in rice and its validation in Indian Basmati and non-Basmati fragrant rice varieties

Fragrance development in rice has been reported due to a 8-bp deletion in the exon 7 of badh2 gene located on Chromosome 8S. Multiplex markers targeting the functional InDel polymorphism was earlier reported for genotyping fragrance trait, but the marker was observed to be inconsistent and difficult to use. We have developed a simple, co-dominant, functional marker for fragrance trait, which can be resolved in an agarose gel and validated in Basmati and non-Basmati aromatic rice varieties and in a mapping population segregated for fragrance trait. The marker targets the InDel polymorphism in badh2 gene and amplifies 95 and 103 bp fragments in fragrant and non-fragrant genotypes, respectively. The newly developed marker was highly efficient in discriminating all fragrant and non-fragrant genotypes and showed perfect co-segregation with the trait of fragrance in the mapping population. We recommend the use of this simple, low-cost marker in routine genotyping for fragrance trait in large scale breeding materials and germplasm.

Genetic diversity in grain quality and nutrition of aromatic rices

The study was conducted at Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Gazipur in 2005 to assess the genetic divergence of aromatic rices for grain quality and nutrition aspects. Forty genotypes composed of 32 local aromatic, five exotic aromatic and three non-aromatic rice varieties were used. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done. Enormous variations were observed in majority of characters viz. grain length, breadth, kernel weight, milling yield, kernel length, L/B ratio of kernel, volume expansion ratio (VER), protein content, amylose content, elongation ratio (ER) and cooking time. In multivariate analysis, genotypes were grouped into six clusters. In the discriminant function analysis (DFA), function 1 alone absorbed 61.7% of the total variance. The most contributing variables were kernel weight, kernel length and L/B ratio in function 1. The inter-cluster D2 value was maximum (26.53) between I and VI followed by 21.28 (between I and V). Minimum D2 value was found (5.90) between II and III. Majority of the local aromatic rice varieties with smaller kernels were included in the cluster I. The cluster III contains Elai, sarwati and sugandha-1 with long-slender kernel and ‘very good’ appearance. Thus, these varieties can be used in breeding programme for improvement of germplasms in cluster-I.

Effects of exogenous abscisic acid on some physiological responses in a popular aromatic indica rice compared with those from two traditional non-aromatic indica rice cultivars

The poor productivity and local confinement of indigenous aromatic rice varieties are mostly due to their susceptibility to salinity/drought/abscisic acid (ABA)-mediated abiotic stresses. It is thus essential to study the effects of several stress factors on their physiological parameters so as to improve their tolerance mechanism and enhance their global demand. Previously, we studied the effect of salinity stress on the physiological and molecular responses of the common aromatic rice Gobindobhog. The objective of this study was to understand the influence of exogenous ABA on some biochemical parameters in Gobindobhog, and comparison with those from non-aromatic M-1-48 and Nonabokra rice. The highest endogenous hydrogen peroxide content and membrane lipid peroxidation (increased malondialdehyde and lipoxygenase activity) were found in ABA-treated Gobindobhog leaves. While the catalase activity was down regulated the most in ABA-treated Gobindobhog leaves, the guaiacol peroxidase activity was induced maximally, indicating the protective role of peroxidase rather than catalase, during ABA-induced oxidative damages. The antioxidant, anthocyanin, showed the highest level in ABA-treated Nonabokra. Enhanced cysteine, following ABA exposure and the highest levels of reducing sugars, total amino acids, proline, and polyamines (putrescine and spermidine) recorded in Gobindobhog, probably served to shield from ABA-induced stress injuries, whereas the spermine levels were comparable in ABA-treated Nonabokra and Gobindobhog. The aroma content, intensified after ABA treatment, was markedly noted in Gobindobhog. Thus, the systematic examination of ABA-mediated stress revealed the most prominent oxidative damages in Gobindobhog, even higher than M-1-48, with a concomitant enhancement in peroxidase system and particularly osmolyte or polyamine levels to ensure its sustenance.