Evaluation of somaclonal variants for yield and some quality parameters

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted to examine the variability of eight somaclones for agronomic and quality parameters. A significant reduction in plant height and days to flowering was noted. There was increase in kernel length and head rice recovery. TF4 was selected having stiff stem, early in flowering, semi dwarf with high fertility, better grain quality and greater yield potential than the parent variety. TF8, TF9 and SN12 yielded at par with the parent variety i. e. Basmati 370. Profuse but unproductive tillers did not contribute to the yield. Linear relationship existed between increased L/B ratio and better grain quality. The grains of all the somaclones were fine type, slender in shape and long in size. The highest quality Index was exhibited by TF9 followed by TF11 and TF10 respectively