Effect ofdry spell on growth, development and yield ofrice (Oryza sativa)

Abstract

An experinlent was conducted during rainy (khar(f) seasons of 2001 and 2002 at the Agrometeorological Research Farm of the University at Faizabad with 4 dry spell treatment of 10 days duration each, namely no dry spell, early tillering stage dry spell (25-35 days after transplanting), vegetative stage dry spell (45-55 days after transplanting) and terminal stage dry spell (65-75 days after transplanting) along with 3 genotype of rice (Oryza sativa L.) namely 'Pant Dhan 4', 'Sarjoo 52' and 'NDR 359'. Tenninal dry spell imposed at flowering stage was found to be more severe to reduce the crop yield as compared to dry spell given at vegetative stage. Reduction in grain yield over no dry spell was recorded about 44.1, 19.1 and 11.90/0 in terminal stage dry spell, vegetative stage dry spell and early tillering stage dry spell, respectively. 'Sarjoo 52' had better ability to grow under moisture deficit condition hence identified as more drought resistant at all the stages amongst the genotypes tested.