Studies on root traits for drought tolerance in aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.) using polythene bags

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out under aerobic condition to evaluate twenty five genotypes for drought tolerance potentiality conferred by root traits. To study the root related traits in the field conditions will be the difficult task as well as the accuracy will not be there to overcoming these problems.The root studies were done in PVC pipes as well as in polythene bags. The genotypes were raised in polythene bags, from which the following observations were recorded on eight important root traits viz., root length, root number at 15,30 and 45 cm, root volume, root density, root thickness, root weight. Six genotypes viz., PMK 4, MAS 946, Annada, KMP 175, PMK 2 and Vandana showed significantly superior mean values for most of the root traits included in the study. Therefore, these genotypes can be used as potential donors in drought resistance breeding programme.

Keywords

• aerobic rice
• root traits
• drought tolerance
• polythene bags