Stigma exsertion trait in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and comparison of two phenotyping methods

Abstract

A practical option to address food security of South exploit yield heterosis through hybrid rice technology. Several traits contribute to hybrid rice seed production efficiency, and thereby enhancing hybrid seed set. Few rice stigma exsertion types are enumerated but phenotyping methods are not systematic and well compared. This study reports the extent of variability for the trait in par some of them, and identifies good donors, namely BF16B and BF96B for the trait. During phenotyping, sample processing was improved for non storability between sampling and phenotyping. Method comparison analyses between the two modified phenotyping methods for stigma exsertion indicate that the whole panicle and the panicle zone methods are statistically on par in quan interchangeable. However, the latter being less resource demanding, may be the choice for stigma exsertion phenotyping in rice.