Genetic Assessment of Germplasms for Anaerobic Germination in Rice

The present study was planned using portray method to screen rice germplasm lines for anaerobic germination (AG) by assessing seedling parameters. Among 266 lines studies, 121 exhibited variable germination % of 100‒17 under AG condition. Germplasm lines viz., RDR 7555, WGL 915, CSR 27, RGP 103, IRTON 103, IET 23993, RGP 60 and MTU NS1 were with highest germination capability (100%). Longest seedling length was recorded in WGL 915 (33.1 cm), RGP 57 (31.8 cm) and CSR 27 (31.2 cm). Seedling vigour index was maximum in lines WGL 915 (3310), RGP 57 (3180) and CSR 27 (3120). Genotypes CSR 27 (22.5 cm), WGL 915 (23.3 cm), RGP 57 (23.1 cm), RGP 103 (21.5 cm) and IRTON 103 (20.7 cm) are possessing highest tolerance to AG conditions with elongated shoot length. Highest root length was recorded in WGL 915 (9.8 cm), CSR 27 (8.7 cm), RGP 57 (8.7 cm), Indursamba (8.5 cm) and RGP 103 (8.1 cm). Highest heritability, genetic advance, PCV and GCV were recorded for seedling vigour index clearly highlights the importance of trait for simple selection. Highest significant positive correlation was observed between the seedling length and seedling vigour index (0.93**) followed by germination % and seedling vigour index (0.88**). Seedling length and germination % are important traits for seedling establishment in direct seeded rice under AG conditions. The 121 Germplasm lines were grouped into four clusters, cluster 3 and 4 has genotypes with above standard germination % (80%), highest seedling length (33.1‒20.3 cm) and high vigour index (3310‒2030). Present day task for plant breeders is to identify rice germplasm lines tolerant for anaerobic germination and to introgress the trait into the superior variety for development of rice pre-breeding lines with tolerance to anaerobic conditions and high yield [1].