Abstract

Exploration and collection of aromatic short grain rice were undertaken in tribal dominated districts of Orissa viz., Dhenkanal, Anugul, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Phulbani and Cuttack. A total of 55 germplasm accessions were collected with detailed passport information. Analysis of variance for 16 quantitative morpho-agronomic characters showed very significant results. The qualitative characters were recorded as per International Rice Research Institute-International Board for Plant Genetic Resources (IRRI-IBPGR) descriptors and frequency distribution was also presented. The range, mean and coefficient of variation for different quantitative characters were mentioned. The study revealed that the leaf length varied from 30.7 cm (Kanika) to 73.6 cm (Basuabhog). The culm height varied from 90.5 cm (Thakurbhog) to 184.4 cm (Jabaphool). Culm number is also high and ranged from 8.9 (Dhusara) to 20.0 (Vasumati). The panicle length varied from 22.2 cm (Banspatri) to 32.06 cm (Kalajeera) with mean length, 27.3 cm. High F-values were observed in leaf length (F = 155.56), plant height (F = 159.24), flag leaf length (F = 120.73), days to 50% flowering (F = 669.77). The good yielders are Chhotbasmati, Pimpudibas, Lajkuri, Jaigundi, Kanika, Bishnubhog. These landraces can be popularized among the farmers and can be used as donor in varietal development programme.

Key words: Exploration, collection, characterization, frequency distribution, aromatic short grain rice, Orissa.