Research article phenotypic parameters clustering based screening of rice (Oryza Sativa L.) landraces for salt tolerance

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Center of origin possesses the largest diversity of any germplasm. Bangladesh is a reservoir of diverse rice germplasm with unique and important traits. Characterization of these landraces can suggest how they survive in saline soils and their potential use in breeding programs. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to find out potential salt tolerant rice landraces. Materials and Methods: Twenty one rice genotypes were selected and among them salt tolerant genotypes were screened out at seedling stage based on phenotypic parameters. Rice seedlings were grown in the hydroponic nutrient medium in 0 and 8 dSm−1 conditions in completely randomized design with three replications. Calculations and data analyses were performed using the Minitab 17. Results: Salinity stress reduced phenotypic parameters and also reduced stress tolerance index (STI) for different parameters. The maximum stress tolerance index value for shoot length, root length and total dry weight were noticed in BINA dhan-8, Bolonga and BINA dhan-10, respectively. Compiling all phenotypic data in Pearson absolute correlation coefficient distance based cluster analysis, Gajor Goria, Bolonga, Bina sail and Nakraji were identified as highly salt tolerant and Dud Sail, Tal Mugur, Gota, Sona Anjul, Kolmilota, Konkacur and Panbra were identified as moderately salt tolerant rice landraces. Conclusion: Gajor Goria, Bolonga, Bina sail and Nakraji can be used for the breeding of high yielding salt tolerant rice varieties.