Genetic Variability for Some Morphological Traits in Lowland Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The study on genetic variability for some morphological trait in rice enables breeders to be able to select the lines of rice that can be suitable for breeding programs.  Different data was collected on growth parameter and yield components. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic variability for some morphological traits and their correlation with yield contributing factors. There are 10 entries that comprised 8 anther cultured derived lines from South Korea and 2 from University of Port Harcourt AGRA germplasm. Experimental design used was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), in three replications. The rice seeds were directly seeded in a poly pot of three seeds per pot and thinned to two after 15 days of emergency, each variety has two poly pots per replication. Significant differences exist among the genotypes for all the morphological traits measured. Genotypes four are earlier than the mean value for days to 50% flowering and days to maturity. The earliest genotype was UPN 234 followed by UPN 268 and the late maturing genotype was UPN 276. Most of the traits measured were significant and positively correlated with other traits and correlation magnitudes ranging from 0.45 to 1.00. Dendrogram showed that WBK114 is different from other rice varieties evaluated, because it is interspecific hybrid (O. sativa and O. glaberrima). This information will assist the breeder in the selection of parent for crop improvement. The early maturing genotypes can be recommended to farmers to grow them because it is possible for the farmers to grow them in three cropping seasons in a year which is of economic importance and livelihood to farmers.