Indian Society of Genetics & Plant Breeding
Ninety one farmers’ grown rice varieties collected from
southern part of West Bengal were evaluated for 52 plant
morphological and grain characteristics for two years at
IARI, New Delhi farm. Of the 44 qualitative traits studied
in, maximum variability was recorded with respect to
density of pubescence of lemma, curvature of main axis
of panicle, attitude of branches of panicle, anthocyanin
colour of keel in lemma, colour of tip of lemma and lemma
and palea colour. Certain varieties were easily
distinguishable with traits viz., shattering behavior in
varieties, Randhunipagal and Laalnita, very shriveled seed
in Ramsal and black lemma tips in Kalanunia and
Kalobhutia. Interestingly some unique characteristics,
which are not listed in the DUS Test Guidelines, were
observed in two varieties. These are a) multiple spikelet
(3 with normal size) developed from one pedicel (var.
Khejurchari) and b) spikelet having multiple carpels,
stigma and kernels (var. Jugal). The varieties showed
distinct visual differences in the lemma and palea colour
(ranging from purple to tawny), grain length ranging from
5.2 mm (Chinakaamni) to 11.3 mm (Gayatri) and grain width
varying from 1.9 mm (Kalanunia and Tulsi Mukul) to 3.1
mm (Abhimanyu, Bheemsal and Ajeerbar). Majority of the
varieties had long bold (41 varieties) and extra long slender
(40 varieties) grains. Remaining varieties had short bold
(3), medium slender (2) and long slender (5) grains.
Varieties having considerable diversity in the quantitative
characters were grouped into 4 clusters. It is concluded
that many varieties with distinct and distinguishable
characteristics and better economic and genetic values
can be registered for their protection under the PPV&FR
Act, 2001 and /or used in the breeding programmes.
Keywords: Rice, farmers’ varieties, genetic diversity, special traits
Year: 2012
Volume: 72
Issue: 2
Article DOI: N/A
Print ISSN: 0019-5200
Online ISSN: 0975-6906
S. K. Chakrabarty, Monika A. Joshi, Yogendra Singh, Aniruddha Maity, Veena Vashisht and M. Dadlani info_circle
Download PDF