Maximization of seed production in eMS line of rice hybrids

Abstract

Hybrid rice has established its superiority over high yielding varieties in respect of growth, yield and tolerance to stresses. The impact of hybrid rice technology has been spectacular in China on rice production. In India 14 public and 8 private sector rice hybrids have been released for commercial cultivation [1,2]. Non-availability of pure seed at reasonable cost, poor grain quality of hybrids and lack of specific resistance to some major pests and diseases are the major problems in further promoting hybrid rice technology in India [3]. The main cause of low hybrid seed production is poor seed set on the male sterile seed parent (A line) due to incomplete (about 70%) panicle exsertion. Maximum elongation of the last internode takes place at stage 8 of the panicle differentiation [5]. GA3 has been a boon in solving the problem of panicle exsertion of the female lines.