Genetic Variability of Quality Characters and Grain Yield in Lowland Rice Genotypes of Eastern India

Abstract

Twenty-five promising lowland rice genotypes of eastern India were studied for genetic variability in twelve quality characters and grain yield. Analysis of variance for all the characters indicated significant differences among genotypes for all the physico-chemical traits as well as grain yield. Genotype x year interaction was insignificant for all the traits, except water uptake. Values of phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation were high for water uptake, head rice recovery, alkali spreading value and grain yield. Except for Alkali spreading value, all the characters exhibited moderate heritability. Head rice recovery (HRR), water uptake, alkali spreading value and kernel length after cooking exhibited moderate genetic advance, which indicated predominance of the additive gene effect. The HRR was the highest for OR 1898-2-15 and the lowest for LPR 106-19. Pearson’s correlations indicated high and positive association between grain yield and HRR. The HRR showed positive association with kernel length after cooking, elongation ratio and hulling. A promising culture CR1898-2-15 had high yield and some high-quality features like high head rice recovery, high milling, and intermediate amylose content. However, none of the genotypes possessed all the desirable high-quality features and high grain yield. Thus, the genotypes possessing high-quality features like CR2026-1, CR 665-64, OR1898-2-15, CR2006-5, OR1555-24-12, OR1898-32-69, CR2034-1OR1550-3-2 and OR1898-2-15 are pointed out as possible donors in the lowland rice improvement program.