Evaluation of Yield Variation in Sri Lankan Traditional Rice (Oryza Sativa.L) Kalu Heenati

Abstract

Evaluation of a rice variety using yield components gives tremendous benefits to develop new varieties for future requirements. Selecting good genotypes of traditional rice varieties, which have a higher yield potential provides much information for breeders. Kaluheenati is one of the traditional rice varieties with several accessions (AN) with considerable morphological and flowering time variation. It is known to possess medicinal and nutritional properties. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between days to flowering (DF) and yield of Kaluheenati ANs. Twenty six ANs of “Kaluheenati” from Plant Genetic Resources Center (PGRC) were grown at Rice Research and Development Institute, Batalagoda with four replicates during Mahaseason of 2013. Days to flowering (DF), total panicle weight (TPW), hundred grain weight (HGW), grains per panicle (GPP) and filled grain percentage (FGP) were recorded. The flowering time of selected accessions varied from 61to 85 days. The highest means for TPW (24.7±2.85 g), HGW (3.95±0.06 g.), GPP (172.0±4.13 g) and FGP (97±0.46 %) were recorded in the AN 2087, 4090, 5191, and 6713respectively. Seven ANs flowered between 75-79 days. Results revealed that there is a negative correlation between DF and TPW (r = 0.12, P = 0.10) and a significant positive correlation between DF and HGW (r = 0.44, P = 0.05). Based on the results, it can be suggested that relatively late flowering ANs could be utilized in future breeding programmes of Kaluheenati for higher yield.