Genetic variability of some root and shoot characters in relation to drought resistance in rice (Oryza sativa L.) [in Bangladesh]

• Published in: Bangladesh Journal of Plant Breeding and Genetics Vol. 2
• Main Authors: Bashar M.K, Das R.K, Chang T.T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 1989
• Subjects: agronomic characters; bangladesh; caractere agronomique; caracteristicas agronomicas; drought resistance; genetic variation; oryza sativa; racine; raices; resistance a la secheresse; resistencia a la sequia; roots; stems; tallo; tige; variacion genetica; variation genetique

The ability of rice plants to tolerate drought stress is associated with root characters. However, the variations of root traits and their associations with morphological traits are not well understood. Some root and shoot characteristics of one African upland variety (Moroberekan), one semidwarf modern lowland variety (IR20), two hill rices (Mijingem, Mimidim Alang) and one Aus variety of Bangladesh, Pukhi, were studied under hydroponic culture at the IRRI phytotron glass house in 1986 to estimate the variability of eleven root and shoot characters. Upland variety had the largest size and the highest number of xylem vessels following the hill rices, aus and low land varieties. The varieties with thick and heavy roots, high root volume, few tillers, tall stature, long and broad leaves, high root xylem vessel number and area are drought resistant while the varieties with thin and low root volume, many tillers, short stature, short and narrow leaves are drought susceptible. These characters should be used as selection indices to develop drought resistant genotypes.