Characterization and evaluation of twenty rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes under irrigated ecosystems in Malawi and Mozambique

Abstract

Field experiments were carried out in Mozambique (Muirrua Rice Research Station) and Malawi (Lifuwo Rice Research Station), during 2010 and 2011 growing season to evaluate twenty rice (Oryza sativa L.), genotypes under irrigated ecosystem following randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three (3) replications and 20 treatments. Data on number of days to flowering, number of tillers, number of days to maturity, panicle length, number of grains per panicle, grain length, 1000-grain weight, and grain yield were assessed, and analyzed. Muirrua ecosystem produced the highest mean yield (3.96 t ha -1) followed by Lifuwu ecosystem (3.42 t ha -1). Nine traits, namely number of tillers, 1000-grain weight, panicle length, number of grains per panicle, grain length, number of days to 50% flowering, and number of days to maturity were positively correlated with grain yield. Significant differences (P<0.001) were found in grain length, although 19 genotypes were greater in grain length (>7.5 mm). Faya showed the highest percentage on the whole grain (60%), in comparison with Marista (20.2%).