Growth analysis of somaclones generated from a salt tolerant traditional 'Pokkali' rice (Oryza sativa)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during rainy season (kharif) 2003 and 2004 to evaluate 3 1 somaclones of a salttolerant traditional 'Pokkali' rice ( Oryza sativa L.) at advanced generation (SC12, SC13). The crop duration of the somaclones ranged between 120 and 140 days. Leaf growth and related parameters were analyzed at various growth stages, viz tillering, flowering and physiological maturity. Leaf area and leaf area index were found to be maximum at flowering stage. The flag leaf area too was maximum during flowering stage. The leaf area duration and leaf area index duration were high between tillering and flowering stages among the somaclones than between the flowering and maturity stages. Specific leaf area was maximum during flowering and specific leaf weight was higher at physiological maturity. Grain yield was significantly high in somaclones, viz 'BTS 11-1 ', 'BTS 28', 'BTS 24', 'BTS 9-2(S)', 'BTS 17(S)', 'BTS 10-2' and 'BTS 1 1-7' which ehbited higher flag leaf area and moderate leaf area index. These somaclones could be effectively used in future crop improvement programme especially for enhancing salinity tolerance or abiotic stress tolerances.