Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences, July 2012, 3(4): 894-897

ISSN: 0976-1675

Plant Growth and Seed Yield as Influenced by Genotypes and Methods of

Production in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
B V Pavithravani, Rame Gowda, C K Pramila, Sharanappa and H E Shashidhar*
Department of Seed Science and Technology, *Department of Plant Biotechnology,
University of Agricultural Sciences (GKVK), Bangalore - 560 065, Karnataka, India
e-mail: pavisst@[Link]

Received: 11 December 2011 Accepted: 19 April 2012

ABSTRACT
The field experiment was conducted at farmer’s field at Doddajala village, Shettigere, South Bangalore, during
summer 2007 in order to evaluate the performance of the selected rice genotypes both under aerobic and puddle
conditions. Aerobic rice is an alternative rice production system that requires less water and increased
productivity. The plants grown under puddle condition were significantly taller (IRRI 292-116.93 cm) than in
aerobic condition (IRRI 14-66.50 cm). Significantly higher number of productive tillers was produced under aerobic
condition with BI 33 (24.87). Similarly, number of filled seeds was also significantly higher in aerobic condition in
IRRI 292 (146.17). Seed setting (IRRI 292-96.27%) and seed recovery BI 27 (97.61%) was comparatively better in
puddle condition Among 10 genotypes tested, IRRI 14 (6.11 t/ha and 6.26 t/ha) recorded significantly higher yield
under both aerobic and puddle condition. Thus, the seed production under aerobic condition can be encouraged
which enhances the seed yield and also water use efficiency.

Key words: Aerobic rice, Seed yield, Puddle rice, Plant growth, Genotypes, Production

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) plant is a member of the grass management practices are being developed to fully exploit
family, Poaceae, belongs to the genus Oryza. It is the only this new emerging technology. The effect of water regime
cereal crop that can be grown under diverse conditions irrigated vs upland culture on the seed quality of rice has not
found in irrigated, rainfed, lowland, upland and flood been studied extensively. Considerable efforts are being
ecosystem. Transplanting has been a major traditional made in identifying the performance of genotypes with
method of rice establishment in Asia. Flooded rice fields, respect to plant growth, seed yield and quality under aerobic
with their abundant organic matter, warm temperatures and conditions. Hence, study was conducted to know the growth
anaerobic conditions, provide an ideal environment for and yield performance of selected genotypes of rice under
methanogenic activity, and release of methane gas aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
(Anonymous 1996). The emission of methane and nitrous
oxide gases from lowland rice production are contributing to MATERIALS AND METHODS
global climate changes, which might lead to substantial Seeds of ten genotypes of rice were procured from the
modifications in land, and water resources for rice Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, University of
production, increasing temperature can lead to shorter Agricultural Sciences (GKVK) Bangalore and used for
growing seasons and decline in yields. evaluating field performance under aerobic and puddle
Intensification of rice cultivation to meet the demand conditions. The field experiment was conducted at farmer’s
for rice by the increasing human population is imperative, field at Doddajala village, Shettigere, South Bangalore,
especially in Asia where approximately 90 per cent of the during summer 2007 under both aerobic and puddle
rice is grown and consumed (IRRI 1993). The water will conditions as per package of practice. Under aerobic
become a scarce commodity in the future and hence water condition, seeds were sown in rows using completely
saving techniques can offer distinct trade-offs for mitigating randomized block design, fertilizer dosage of 100: 50: 50
methane emission. The challenge for rice research on NPK kg/ha was applied at the time of sowing, top dressing
improving rice yield should focus on strategies that do not with 50 per cent of nitrogen was done at 30 days after
harm the environment by reducing the green house gas sowing and irrigation was provided at critical stages of crop
emission. To circumvent this situation many scientists and growth. Growth and yield parameters were recorded.
farmers switch on to direct seeding under un-puddle
conditions, which is termed as aerobic cultivation of rice. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Direct seeding is becoming an attractive alternative to The plant height (cm) at harvest differed significantly
transplanting of rice in order to save precious water. due to methods of cultivation and genotypes (Table 1). The
Varieties with early seedling vigour and appropriate crop mean plant height under puddle condition was higher (97.84

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 Pavithravani et al.
cm) than aerobic condition (85.40 cm). Among the characters. However, the variation in same genotype
genotypes, IRRI 292 recorded higher plant height (115.10 between the conditions is may be due to the environmental
cm and 116.93 cm) followed by IRRI 23 (109.50 cm and influence. The tallness in plants under puddle condition is
111.53 cm) and IRRI 259 (97.40 cm and 101.60 cm). While due to closer spacing, higher nutrient uptake and efficient
IRRI 14 (66.50 cm and 79.60 cm) recorded lower plant translocation of the nutrients to the growing parts. Similarly,
height under aerobic and puddle conditions, respectively. Chakrabarthy et al. (1974), Das and Jal (1977) also noticed
The variation in the height of plants among the genotypes higher plant growth in continuous flooding than non-
under the same condition is mainly due to genotypic flooding conditions.

Table 1 Plant height (cm), number of tillers at different growth stages and number of filled seeds/panicle as influenced by
the methods of production in rice genotypes
Plant height (cm) No. of total tillers No. of productive No. of filled
Genotypes Mean Mean
at harvest at flowering tillers at harvest Mean seeds/panicle Mean
A P A P A P A P
BI 27 80.13 99.00 89.57 30.40 10.70 20.55 20.37 9.80 15.08 89.23 107.90 98.57
BI 33 78.20 96.47 87.33 31.53 11.40 21.47 24.87 10.40 17.63 88.70 65.60 77.15
BI 34-1 76.67 99.50 88.08 33.00 11.40 22.20 20.47 10.47 15.47 87.33 74.37 80.85
BI 43 80.47 100.33 90.40 29.33 12.80 21.07 20.13 11.73 15.93 103.63 56.70 80.17
IRRI 14 66.50 79.60 73.05 31.33 15.93 23.63 21.00 14.63 17.82 103.00 74.63 88.82
IRRI 23 109.50 111.53 110.52 26.60 10.37 18.48 14.47 8.27 11.37 113.93 55.53 84.73
IRRI 49 75.00 85.93 80.47 32.03 11.33 21.68 22.73 10.77 16.75 109.57 87.43 98.50
IRRI 259 97.40 101.60 99.50 22.13 12.37 17.25 18.47 11.33 14.90 138.43 88.70 113.57
IRRI 292 115.10 116.93 116.02 14.80 8.00 11.40 10.27 7.27 8.77 146.17 98.67 122.42
RASI 75.07 87.47 81.27 32.73 12.53 22.63 23.33 11.20 17.27 98.50 90.47 94.48
Mean 85.40 97.84 91.62 28.39 11.68 20.04 19.61 10.59 15.10 107.85 80.00 93.93
SEm ± CD (0.05P) SEm ± CD (0.05P) SEm ± CD (0.05P) SEm ± CD (0.05P)
G 0.89 2.55 0.42 1.21 0.73 2.10 0.85 2.43
E 0.40 1.14 0.19 0.54 0.33 0.94 0.38 1.09
G×E 1.26 3.61 0.60 1.71 1.04 2.97 1.20 3.44
CV (%) 2.64 5.67 13.52 2.28
G: Genotypes; E: Method of Cultivation; A: Aerobic; P: Puddle condition

Table 2 Seed setting (%), seed recovery (%), seed yield (g/plant) and seed yield (t/ha) as influenced by the methods of
production in rice genotypes
Genotypes Seed setting (%) Seed recovery (%) Seed yield (g/plant) Seed yield (t/ha)
Mean Mean Mean Mean
A P A P A P A P
BI 27 82.42 91.82 87.12 90.16 97.61 93.88 21.47 12.55 17.01 4.72 5.19 4.95
BI 33 92.47 91.60 92.03 90.83 92.30 91.57 22.00 11.60 16.80 4.84 5.10 4.97
BI 34-1 87.70 87.40 87.55 89.30 93.31 91.31 15.35 8.33 11.84 4.23 4.17 4.20
BI 43 93.83 93.52 93.68 95.60 96.45 96.03 18.01 8.43 13.22 3.96 4.22 4.09
IRRI 14 89.47 88.60 89.04 94.70 94.49 94.60 27.00 13.63 20.32 6.11 6.26 6.19
IRRI 23 88.72 94.47 91.59 87.70 95.44 91.57 14.45 6.13 10.29 3.18 3.07 3.12
IRRI 49 91.40 89.09 90.24 83.70 97.33 90.51 15.78 11.27 13.52 4.47 5.12 4.79
IRRI 259 93.43 82.08 87.76 97.34 95.11 96.22 23.66 11.66 17.66 5.21 5.42 5.31
IRRI 292 79.53 96.27 87.90 90.83 92.67 91.75 16.28 7.73 12.01 3.58 3.87 3.72
RASI 92.10 91.92 92.01 97.57 96.32 96.95 26.27 11.20 18.73 4.90 5.02 4.96
Mean 89.11 90.68 89.89 91.77 95.10 93.44 20.03 10.25 15.14 4.52 4.74 4.63
SEm ± CD (0.05P) SEm ± CD (0.05P) SEm ± CD (0.05P) SEm ± CD (0.05P)
G 0.37 1.07 0.53 1.53 0.16 0.46 0.06 0.18
E 0.17 0.48 0.24 0.68 0.07 0.20 0.03 0.08
G×E 0.53 1.51 0.76 2.17 0.32 0.64 0.09 0.25
CV (%) 1.14 1.45 2.72 3.43
G: Genotypes; E: Method of Cultivation; A: Aerobic; P: Puddle condition

Significant variations were observed for number of 34-1 recorded more number of tillers (33.0) in aerobic
tillers at flowering between the conditions and genotypes. condition, which was on par with IRRI 49 (32.03) and Rasi
The number of tillers was significantly higher in aerobic (32.73). Irrespective of conditions, IRRI 14 (23.63) had
condition (28.39) compared to puddle (11.68) condition. BI more tillers followed by Rasi (22.63) and BI 34-1 (22.20).

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 Genotypes and Methods of Production in Rice
The number of productive tillers at harvest differed Since closer spacing is followed in puddle condition than
significantly due to aerobic condition (19.61) and puddle aerobic condition, it could not produce more tillers and
condition (10.59). Performance of genotypes within the hence the nutrients absorbed impelled vertical growth and
condition showed significant variations wherein BI 33 they grew taller. While, plants under aerobic cultivation
(24.87), Rasi (23.33) and IRRI 49 (22.73) had more number produced more tillers and nutrients absorbed were
of tillers and they were on par with each other under aerobic distributed to all tillers. Although number of tillers was
condition. IRRI 14 recorded more number of tillers (14.63) significantly higher in aerobic condition at flowering, there
under puddle condition. Irrespective of conditions, IRRI 14 was a dilution of nutrients due to its distribution to more
(17.82) recorded more number of productive tillers and it number of tillers leading to only few productive tillers from
was on par with BI 33 (17.63). Profuse tillering in aerobic the total number of tillers. Similarly, reduction in number of
condition may be attributed due to relatively higher spacing; tillers was also noticed in puddle condition but it was not as
protective irrigation through which optimum soil moisture significant as in case of aerobic condition. IRRI 14
was maintained in soil along with sufficient soil air and performed equally well in both the conditions with respect
nutrients that promoted better root growth (Radha 2005). to the tiller production.

Table 3 100 seed weight (g), biological yield (g/plant), straw yield (g/plant) and harvest index as influenced by the methods
of production in rice genotypes
100 seed weight Biological yield Straw yield
Genotypes Harvest index
(g) Mean ( g/plant ) Mean (g/plant) Mean Mean
A P A P A P A P
BI 27 2.00 2.07 2.03 58.63 38.28 48.46 37.17 25.73 31.45 36.61 32.79 34.70
BI 33 2.17 2.04 2.11 61.80 35.33 48.57 39.80 23.73 31.77 35.60 32.82 34.21
BI 34-1 2.04 2.21 2.13 51.70 27.07 39.39 36.35 18.73 27.54 29.69 30.79 30.24
BI 43 2.23 2.23 2.23 54.42 30.23 42.33 36.41 21.80 29.10 33.10 27.90 30.50
IRRI 14 2.33 2.53 2.43 62.44 36.23 49.34 35.43 22.60 29.02 43.25 37.63 40.44
IRRI 23 2.21 2.22 2.22 49.88 26.53 38.21 35.43 20.40 27.92 28.96 23.15 26.05
IRRI 49 2.20 2.42 2.31 53.90 32.03 42.97 38.12 21.60 29.86 29.28 32.67 30.97
IRRI 259 2.07 2.12 2.10 57.16 38.90 48.03 33.50 28.07 30.78 41.39 28.14 34.76
IRRI 292 2.34 2.18 2.26 43.85 24.60 34.22 27.57 16.87 22.22 37.13 31.77 34.45
RASI 2.08 2.05 2.06 63.10 31.00 47.05 36.84 19.80 28.32 41.62 36.23 38.93
Mean 2.17 2.23 2.20 55.69 32.02 43.85 35.66 21.93 28.80 35.66 31.39 33.63
SEm ± CD (0.05P) SEm ± CD (0.05P) SEm ± CD (0.05P) SEm ± CD (0.05P)
G 0.01 0.02 0.65 1.87 0.63 1.81 0.66 1.90
E 0.01 0.01 0.29 0.84 0.28 0.81 0.30 0.85
G×E 0.01 0.30 0.92 2.65 0.89 2.56 0.94 2.68
CV (%) 0.99 3.69 5.35 4.77
G: Genotypes; E: Method of Cultivation; A: Aerobic; P: Puddle condition

Irrespective of genotypes, the mean number of filled in puddle condition, seed setting per cent was marginally
seeds/panicle was highest in aerobic (107.85) as irrigation is higher than aerobic. In aerobic condition higher number of
provided in all the critical stages of plant growth compared seeds was produced per panicle but the filled seed
to puddle condition (80.00) and IRRI 292 and BI 27 percentage was less compared to puddle condition.
recorded the highest (146.17 and 107.90) number of filled Similarly, Narayanaswamy (1998), Thomas et al. (2003)
seeds/ panicle in aerobic and puddle condition, respectively. have also observed variations in number of filled seeds and
Seed setting per cent was highest in puddle condition seed setting percentage.
(90.68%). Among the genotypes, BI 43 had highest seed Significant differences were noticed due to influence of
setting per cent (93.83) which was on par with IRRI 259 methods of cultivation on seed recovery per cent in which
(93.43%) under aerobic condition. However, in puddle plants cultivated under puddle condition recorded highest
condition, IRRI 292 (96.27%) recorded the highest. seed recovery (95.10%) over aerobic (91.77%). Among the
Irrespective of conditions, BI 43 (93.68%) recorded highest genotypes, Rasi (96.95%), IRRI 259 (96.22%) and BI 43
seed setting per cent followed by BI 33 (92.03%) and Rasi (96.03%) recorded highest seed recovery per cent and they
(92.01%). The interaction effect between genotype (G) × were on par with each other, whereas, IRRI 49 (90.5%)
method of cultivation (E) was also found significant in recorded the lowest. Among the interaction effects, BI 27
which, BI 43 recorded highest seed set (96.27%) followed (97.61%) and Rasi (97.57%) produced under puddle and
by IRRI 259 (93.43%) under aerobic condition. More over aerobic condition, respectively recorded highest seed
some of the IRRI genotypes performed better under the recovery. This is because of moisture stress that led to low
aerobic condition which added to more number of filled seed filling capacity and resulted in higher number of chaffy
seeds/panicle. Though the numbers of filled seeds were less

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 Pavithravani et al.
seeds in aerobic condition. Thomas et al. (2003) also noticed yield (27.00 and 13.63 g/plant) and the least was recorded in
higher percentage of chaffy seeds under aerobic condition. IRRI 23 (14.45 and 6.13 g/plant) under aerobic and puddle
In general, all the selected genotypes performed better condition, respectively. Seed yield under puddle (4.74 t/ha)
under aerobic condition. BI 33 (31.77 g/plant) recorded was slightly more than that of aerobic (4.52 t/ha). Under
maximum straw yield irrespective of growth condition. puddle condition, IRRI 14 (6.26 t/ha), IRRI 259 (5.42 t/ha)
Higher number of tillers that were produced under aerobic and BI 27 (5.19 t/ha) were found superior. However, under
condition might have contributed in higher straw yield. aerobic condition, IRRI 14 (6.11 t/ha) and IRRI 259 (5.21
Though the plants were taller in puddle condition, there t/ha) recorded highest seed yield. The least performer under
were significantly less tillers hence straw yield was less in both puddle and aerobic conditions was IRRI 23 (3.07 t/ha
puddle. The genotype IRRI 14 recorded highest mean and 3.18 t/ha, respectively). Among the interactions, the best
biological yield (49.34 g/plant) followed by BI 33 (48.57 combination was IRRI 14 (6.11 t/ha and 6.26 t/ha) followed
g/plant). Rasi (63.1 g/plant) and IRRI 14 (62.44 g/plant) by IRRI 259 (5.21 t/ha and 5.42 t/ha) either with aerobic or
performed better under aerobic while genotypes IRRI 259 puddle condition, respectively. On the other hand, seed yield
(38.90 g/plant) and BI 27 (38.28 g/plant) under puddle per ha was higher in puddle condition due to closer spacing
condition. Overall, BI 33 under aerobic condition recorded that resulted in higher plant population, which led to
highest straw yield (39.80g/plant) as it produced highest increased seed yield. The genotype, IRRI 14 recorded higher
number of tillers under aerobic condition. Similarly, total seed yield in both the conditions as it possessed more
biological yield was also significantly higher in aerobic number of tillers. Seeds produced under puddle condition
condition compared to puddle. Harvest index differed possessed higher hundred seed weight (2.23 g) over aerobic
significantly among the genotypes and between growing (2.17 g). In aerobic condition, IRRI 292 (2.34 g) recorded
conditions. It was significantly higher under aerobic higher and IRRI 14 (2.53 g) in puddle condition. The test
condition (35.66). However, showed maximum harvest weight of the resultant crop was significantly higher in the
index both under aerobic IRRI 14 (43.25) and puddle seeds obtained from puddle cultivation. This was due to
condition BI 33 (32.82) registered maximum harvest index. effective translocation and proper distribution of nutrients,
The overall performance of IRRI 14 (40.44) was superior as there is less number of tillers. Further, increased seed
over Rasi (38.93), irrespective of the conditions. Higher filling per cent also contributed for higher density and
harvest index indicates the effective partitioning of dry specific gravity of seeds produced under puddle condition.
matter into reproductive sink even under rainfed upland BI 43 (2.23 g) and IRRI 49 (2.31 g) recorded the higher test
condition. weight, irrespective of growing conditions.
The genotypes, methods of cultivation and their The study suggested that, the yielding ability of rice
interactions differed significantly for seed yield per plant. genotypes under aerobic condition was almost comparable
Genotypes performed better under aerobic (20.03 g/plant) with that of puddle condition, which indicated the possibility
than puddle (10.25 g/plant) condition. Gangwar et al. (2005) of seed production even under aerobic method of cultivation
also reported similar findings. IRRI 14 gave highest seed with protective irrigation like any other cereal crops.

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