Genetic variability in seedling pattern of rice genotypes under water stress and normal condition

Abstract

Study on twenty rice genotypes noticed high variability in seedling characters for varietal characteristics under normal and water stress. Seedling parameters including water holding capacity of seed (24 hours) may be responsible to specify the selection strategy of genotype(s) supportive to establish good plant. The non-aromatic Gontrabidhan-3 and aromatic Kataribhog cultivars were encouraging to grow quality seedling in both conditions. High genetic variability noticed the superior value in V10. High GCV and least diversity with PCV for root length, fresh weight, dry weight and water holding capacity confirmed the high genetic variability approving for selection. High heritability (H2 %) coupled with high genetic advance (GA %) can be used as interpreter in selection for quality seedling, a basic need for plant establishment. In alliance of seedlings parameters, vigour index showed high positive significant correlation for all characters under normal and stress. The positive correlation of fresh and dry weight was highly significant to root-shoot length, vigour index and water holding capacity though it was not followed for shoot length in stress.