Using Agumented design for screening of cold tolerant rice genotypes for seedling traits under low temperature condition [Oryza sativa (L.)]

Abstract

An experiment was conducted with the objective of determining the magnitude of association between seedling survival rate and its component characters. 100 MAGIC indica population rice genotypes were evaluated in Augmented Randomized complete Block Design (RCBD) with two replications. Correlation coefficient analysis of seedling survival rate showed positive and significant association with seedling height, root length; shoot length, under cold condition. Thus, these traits could play pivotal role in developing cold tolerant rice. Separation of correlation coefficients into direct and indirect effects of component traits for seedling survival rate revealed that the traits seedling height and shoot length exerted maximum positive direct and indirect effect respectively on seedling survival under cold stress conditions. These characters, therefore, are required to be considered during selection for seedling survival improvement in rice under cold conditions.