Characterization and evaluation of variability in farmers’ varieties of rice from West Bengal

Abstract

Ninety one farmers’ grown rice varieties collected from southern part of West Bengal were evaluated for 52 plant morphological and grain characteristics for two years at IARI, New Delhi farm. Of the 44 qualitative traits studied in, maximum variability was recorded with respect to density of pubescence of lemma, curvature of main axis of panicle, attitude of branches of panicle, anthocyanin colour of keel in lemma, colour of tip of lemma and lemma and palea colour. Certain varieties were easily distinguishable with traits viz., shattering behavior in varieties, Randhunipagal and Laalnita, very shriveled seed in Ramsal and black lemma tips in Kalanunia and Kalobhutia. Interestingly some unique characteristics, which are not listed in the DUS Test Guidelines, were observed in two varieties. These are a) multiple spikelet (3 with normal size) developed from one pedicel (var. Khejurchari) and b) spikelet having multiple carpels, stigma and kernels (var. Jugal). The varieties showed distinct visual differences in the lemma and palea colour (ranging from purple to tawny), grain length ranging from 5.2 mm (Chinakaamni) to 11.3 mm (Gayatri) and grain width varying from 1.9 mm (Kalanunia and Tulsi Mukul) to 3.1 mm (Abhimanyu, Bheemsal and Ajeerbar). Majority of the varieties had long bold (41 varieties) and extra long slender (40 varieties) grains. Remaining varieties had short bold (3), medium slender (2) and long slender (5) grains. Varieties having considerable diversity in the quantitative characters were grouped into 4 clusters. It is concluded that many varieties with distinct and distinguishable characteristics and better economic and genetic values can be registered for their protection under the PPV&FR Act, 2001 and/or used in the breeding programmes.