Grouping of Advanced Rice Breeding Lines Based on Grain Yield and Na:K Ratio under Alkaline Conditions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to monitor the performance of rice genotypes for alkalinity tolerance and assess their yield potential under alkaline condition. Forty seven rice genotypes received under International Rice Soil Stress Tolerance Screening Nursery Trial (IRSSTN) from International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) were evaluated for yield and physiological traits. On basis of the grain yield and Na: K ratio, the rice genotypes were grouped in four categories viz. highly tolerant, tolerant, susceptible and highly susceptible. The rice genotypes from the high salt tolerant and moderate salt tolerant groups reported lower values for the Na accumulation and Na: K ratio and higher values for grain yield over the susceptible and highly susceptible genotypes. The lowest sodium accumulation and sodium and potassium ratio and highest grain yield was recorded in rice genotype IR74095-AC 64 as compared to the checks (tolerant and susceptible). The rice genotype IR 74095-AC 64 is considered potentially tolerant to alkaline stress and could be used for further breeding programme