Basmati-515: A new variety with extra long grain 35

BASMATI-515: A NEW VARIETY WITH EXTRA LONG GRAIN FOR PRODUCTIVITY AUGMENTATION IN PUNJAB,

M. Akhtar, M. S. Akhtar and M. Rizwan*

ABSTRACT

Basmati 515 is an outcome of three way cross of F1 (Basmati 320 x 10486) with 50021 during 1995-96. The pedigree method of selection was continued up to five filial generations at Rice Research Institute Kala Shah Kaku, Pakistan. It was put in to observational trials, varietal yield trials, micro plot yield trials and regional adaptability trials (National Uniform Yield Trials) from 2002 to 2009. It was concluded that Basmati 515 showed higher paddy yield (3.72 t/ha) than Super Basmati (3.41 t/ha). The variety was additionally found to be moderately resistant to bakanae / foot rot and blast diseases. In physio-chemical tests conducted at Rice Research Institute, Kala Shah Kaku, its head rice recovery alongwith grain length was better (8.85% higher paddy yield) than Super Basmati. Especially elongation ratio (2.10) was better than most of the existing extra long grain varieties.

KEYWORDS: Oryza sativa; new cultivar; agronomic characters, productivity; Punjab, Pakistan.

INTRODUCTION

Basmati is internationally eminent for its exclusive and delightful aroma, taste and texture. Growing demands for Basmati rice in the international market warrants to enhance quantity as well as quality of Basmati rice. It’s a major export commodity of Pakistan and earns about 950 million US $. Pakistan is famous for growing and exporting long grain Basmati rice. Ninety four percent of which is produced in Punjab (1).

A high yielding and lodging resistant Basmati rice variety having better yield, good grain quality and resistance to different diseases especially bacterial leaf blight was long awaited. The varietal improvement programs for Basmati rice were initiated as early as 1920’s at Kala Shah Kaku, Punjab. The new

*Rice Research Institute, Kala Shah Kaku, Pakistan.

J. Agric. Res., 2014, 52(1) 36 M. Akhtar et al. varieties were developed mainly through pure line selections made in the available germplasm. All varieties evolved through this method were disease and insect susceptible, weak stemmed and low yielder but were reputed for their aroma, taste and specific cooking quality features (7). Khush and Juliano (5) also identified the multiplicity of breeding objectives, lack of infrastructure for grain quality evaluation and lack of well defined selection criteria as main hurdles for grain quality and aroma improvement programs.

Super Basmati is still popular among farmers but there is a problem of lodging and higher disease incidence. The earlier attempts had limited success as it is not aroma and grain alone that constitutes Basmati but several chemical characteristics which govern the texture of cooked rice should be pooled together. Keeping this scenario in view, scientists at RRI, Kala Shah Kaku, Pakistan strived to develop a high yielding, stiff stemmed and extra long grain rice variety by crossing F1 of Basmati 320 x 10486, with 50021.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cross of Basmati 320 x 10486 was again crossed with 50021 during 1995-96. The pedigree method of selection continued up to F5. It was then bulked for two years. Afterwards this line was evaluated in observational lines / plots. Elite line (Basmati 515) was evaluated in yield trials conducted at Rice Research Institute, Kala Shah Kaku, (RRI, KSK), Pakistan from 2002-05. Later on, the elite line along with Super Basmati was passed through numbers of trials. The salient agronomic and botanical description was recorded according to descriptor established by FSC and RD, Islamabad. Sixteen Micro Plot Yield Trials were conducted during 2005-08 followed by testing in National Uniform Rice Yield Trials during 2005-06 and 2006-07 at various locations within the country. All the experiments were sown during May/June following RCBD. Meteorological data of all the locations are given in Annexure. For determining the best package of production technology, response of Basmati 515 was determined at different sowing dates starting from 16 May to 1st August with fifteen days of interval in each sowing date. Fertilizer trials were also conducted to check fertilizer (NPK) response. The data on infestation of diseases (bacterial leaf blight, paddy blast, stem rot) were recorded during 2005. The candidate variety Basmati 515 was compared with Super Basmati as check. The analysis of variance was performed on each measured trait using appropriate procedures of MSTAT-C computer software. Statistical significance was reported at 5% level of probability. Differences among means were tested by LSD test at 5% probability level.

J. Agric. Res., 2014, 52(1) Basmati-515: A new variety with extra long grain 37

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Results showed that Basmati 515 was higher yielder, as depicted by higher 1000 grain weight (both paddy and rice), longer kernel length, more in width and thickness and also elongation ratio was recorded higher than check i.e. Super Basmati, a popular commercial variety with nearly same maturation period (Table 1). Additionally, it was found resistant to lodging as compared with check in terms of higher stem thickness.

Table 1. Description of Basmati 515 in comparison with existing commercial variety Super Basmati.

Characteristics Basmati 515 Super Basmati Paddy length (mm) 10.75 10.74 Paddy width (mm) 1.89 1.86 Paddy thickness (mm) 1.72 1.68 Kernel length (mm) 7.36 7.27 Kernel width (mm) 1.66 1.59 Kernel thickness (mm) 1.54 1.46 Boiled kernel length (mm) 15.43 14.33 Maturity days 114 113 1000 paddy grain weight (g) 21.79 20.81 1000 rice grain weight (g) 17.13 17.02 Paddy yield (t/ha) 3.70 3.39 Stem thickness (mm) 1.85 1.43

Yield trials

Eighty six (86) trials were conducted to compare new variety, Basmati 515 with Super Basmati. The overall average paddy yield (3.72 t/ha) of Basmati 515 was higher (8.93 %) than Super Basmati (3.41 t/ha) (Table 2). It may be concluded that the new variety is better yielder than commercial variety Super Basmati.

Table 2. Comparison of Basmati 515 with existing commercial variety Super Basmati in all trials on average basis.

Name of trial Paddy yield (t/ha) Percent No. of increase / trials Basmati 515 Super Basmati decrease over Super Basmati Varietal yield trials 3 3.54 3.24 +9.26 Micro plot yield trials 42 4.18 3.74 +11.76 National uniform yield trials 23 4.17 3.85 +8.31 Sowing date trials 18 3.00 2.82 +6.38 Average 3. 72 3.41 +8.93

J. Agric. Res., 2014, 52(1) 38 M. Akhtar et al.

Varietal yield trials:- Basmati 515 was tested in observational plot during 2002-05. The results obtained clearly emphasize that Basmati 515 is better yielder than Super Basmati. On the basis of average of 3 years, it gave 9.26% higher yield than Super Basmati (Table 3).

Table 3. Results of varietal yield trials conducted at Rice Research Institute during 2003-05.

Year Character Varieties Basmati 515 Super Basmati 2003 Maturity days 112 112 Plant height (cm) 125.0 120.0 Yield (t/ha) 2.94 bc 2.67 c 2004 Maturity days 114 112 Plant height (cm) 128 115 Yield (t/ha) 3.85 a 3.01 bc 2005 Maturity days 115 114 Plant height (cm) 129.0 126.8 Yield (t/ha) 3.82a 4.04? Av. height (cm) 127.3 120.6 Av. maturity (days) 114 113 Av. yield (t/ha) 3.54 3.24 Percent increase / decrease in yield of Basmati +9.26 - 515 over Super Basmati

Micro plot yield trials:- The new variety Basmati 515 along with Super Basmati was tested in 42 trials. The maximum yield was obtained at . Fig. 1 clearly shows that the new variety Basmati 515 gave higher yield than Super Basmati on almost all locations, for five years in micro plot yield trials.

J. Agric. Res., 2014, 52(1) Basmati-515: A new variety with extra long grain 39

Regional adaptability trials (NURYTS):- The new variety Basmati 515 along with Super Basmati was tested in 23 trials for two years. The yield data given in Table 4 indicate that in regional adaptability trials, Basmati 515 gave 7.95% higher yield than Super Basmati. Maximum yield was obtained at Osta Muhammad (7200 kg/ha for Basmati-515 and 5988 kg/ha for Super Basmati), followed by and Faisalabad, for the year 2005. In 2006, maximum yield was obtained at Dokri (5944 kg/ha for Basmati 515 and 5666 kg/ha for Super Basmati), followed by Faisalabad and Jamra (Table 4).

Table 4. Comparison of Basmati 515 with existing commercial variety Super Basmati in regional adaptability trials (NURYTS) conducted during 2005 and 2006.

Paddy yield (kg/ha) Year Location Basmati 515 Super Basmati 2005 Gujranwala 2108 bcd 1606 cd Kala Shah Kaku 3841 ab 2747 bcd Farooqabad 5073 ab 4124 bcde Pindi Bhattian 2788 d 2378 e Faisalabad 4501 d 4304 d Bahawalpur 3993 abc 3800 bc Bhimber 2966 a 1744 fg Osta Muhammad 7200 a 5988 abc Tandojam 2375 c 2319 cd Dokri 4437 cd 4083 def Larkana 2425 b 4054 bc Jamra 4450 d 4258 b Thatta 4231 bcd 4325 bcd Average 3876.00 3517.69 2006 Gujranwala 6067 4887 Kala Shah Kaku 3685abc 3107cd Farooqabad 3460abc 2880c Faisalabad 5769ab 6418ab 4967 b 5817 a Bhimber 3045 b 2243 cd Dokri 5944a 5666a Larkana 3611abcde 2988de Tandojam 4324c 4995ab Jamra 4571 cd 3819 de Average 4544.3 4282 Average of two years 4210.15 3899.85 Percent increase in yield of Basmati 515 +7.95 - over Super Basmati

Sowing date trials:- The data regarding sowing date trials showed that maximum yield was obtained by transplanting the nursery in mid July. Yield data of transplanting trials on Basmati 515 and Super Basmati conducted at RRI, KSK during 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09 are summarized in Table 5. It is quite clear from the data that on average of three years, Basmati 515

J. Agric. Res., 2014, 52(1) 40 M. Akhtar et al. gave higher yield (3.60 t/ha) at transplanting date of 16th July whereas the lowest yield (2.26 t/ha) was obtained at transplanting date of 16th May. Therefore it is obvious that the maximum yield of Basmati 515 can be obtained for the transplanting of rice nurseries from 1st July to 20th July.

Table 5. Comparison of Basmati 515 with existing commercial variety Super Basmati in sowing date trials conducted at RRI, KSK during 2006-2009.

Year / Variety Transplanting dates / paddy yield ( t/ha ) 16/5 1/6 16/6 1/7 16/7 1/8 Average 2006-07 Basmati 515 1.94 3.02 3.09 3.47 3.64 3.27 3.07 Super Basmati 1.70 2.91 3.02 3.25 3.49 3.05 2.90 LSD(0.05) 0.187 2007-08 Basmati 515 2.92 3.27 3.05 3.57 4.18 2.85 3.31 Super Basmati 2.75 3.07 3.12 3.53 4.11 2.57 3.19 LSD (0.05) 0.2544 2008-09 Basmati 515 1.92 2.32 2.94 3.06 2.97 2.64 2.64 Super Basmati 1.96 2.19 2.45 2.82 2.78 2.00 2.37 LSD(0.05) 0.26 Average of 3 years Basmati 515 2.26 2.87 3.03 3.37 3.60 2.92 3.00 Super Basmati 2.13 2.72 2.86 3.20 3.46 2.54 2.82 Percent increase/decrease over Super Basmati +6.38

The level of resistance of Basmati 515 against diseases and insects were also tested. The results are given in Table 6. (RRI, KSK and Rice Entomologist, NARC, Islamabad).

Table 6. Level of resistance of Basmati-515 against major diseases and insects.

Diseases* Insects** Code Designation BLB Blast Stem rot SB LF WBPH PARC-278 00515 HS MS MR HS MS MS PARC-279 00521 MS MR MS S MS MR PARC-280 99404 S MS MS S S MR PARC-281 00518-1 HS S S HS S MS PARC-282 PK8337-2-2-1 MR MR S S MS MS PARC-283 98316 S S MS HS S MS PARC-284 PS I HS MS S MS MS MS PARC-285 Jajai25/A MS S S S S MS PARC-286 DM I-30-34-94 MS MS MR HS S MR PARC-287 EF1-20-119-02 MS S MS S MS MR PARC-288 T5 MS MR MS S S MS PARC-289 T15 S HS MR HS S MS PARC-290 Super Basmati MS S MR S MS S *S = Susceptible, HS = Highly susceptible, MS = Moderately susceptible, MR = Moderately resistant, BLB = Bacterial leaf blight, LF = Leaf folder, WBPH = White backed plant hopper

J. Agric. Res., 2014, 52(1) Basmati-515: A new variety with extra long grain 41

Fertilizer trials

Fertilizer trials on Basmati 515 were conducted at RRI, KSK during 2006- 2008 (Table 7). The results depicted that fertilizer treatment 133-85-62 NPK kg per hectare is most economical.

Table 7. Results of varietal yield trials conducted at Rice Research Institute, Kala Shjah Kaku from 2003-2005.

Treatments NPK (kg/ha) Paddy yield (t/ha) 2006 2007 2008 Average 110-85-62 3.41 b 3.56 b 3.23 b 3.40 b 133-85-62 3.79 a 3.74 a 3.64 a 3.72 a 156-85-62 3.86 a 3.82 a 3.73 a 3.80 a 179-85-62 3.93 a 3.87 a 3.79 a 3.86 a

REFERENCES

1. Anon. 2010. Pakistan Economic Survey 2009-11. Govt of Pakistan, Islamabad. 2. Duwayrie, M.D., V. Tran and V. N. Nguyen. 1999. Reflections on yield gaps in rice production. Int. Rice. Comm. News Letter Bulletin (FAO) 48: 13-26. 3. Gregory, P. J., J. S. Ingram and T. Kobayashi 2000. Rice Production and Global Change. Global Environ. Res. 2: 71-77. 4. Khichi, A. B., F. Ahmed and A. Majid Choudary. 1985. Present status of rice improvement in the Punjab. In Proceedings 5th National Seminar on Rice Research and Production. Pak. Agric. Res. Council, Islamabad, Pakistan. pp. 1-6. 5. Khush, G.S. and B.O. Juliano, 1991. Research priorities for improving rice grain quality. In: Rice Grain Marketing and Quality Issues IRRI, Los, Banos, Phillipines. pp 65-66. 6. Mushtaq, A., M. Akhtar and M. Anwar, 2005. Basmati rice: progress, issues and prospects for Pakistan. Proceedings of International Seminar on Rice Crop; pp. 1-7. 7. Shobha, R. N., 2009. Present status of Basmati rice: Prospects for enhancement of its export. In: Proceedings of International Seminar on Basmati Rice; pp:7-9.

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Annexure:

Mean maximum and minimum temperature and average rainfall of selected areas from 2005-2009.

Year Area Mean temperature Maximum Minimum Rainfall 2005 Faisalabad 30.7 16.5 518 Kala Shah Kaku 29.9 19.4 652 Sargodha 30.3 17.3 645 Farooqabad 29.7 19.7 647 Shorkot 33.3 20.5 142 Shakargarh 35.6 18 58 2006 Faisalabad 31.4 18.3 444 Kala Shah Kaku 30.6 20.2 728 Sargodha 31.9 19.9 578 Farooqabad 30.3 20.1 732 Shorkot 34.4 21.5 94 Shakargarh 36.4 19.3 273 2007 Faisalabad 31.6 17.4 367 Kala Shah Kaku 30.6 19.4 655 Sargodha 31.3 17.9 720 Farooqabad 30.8 19 641 Shorkot 34.3 21 183 Shakargarh 34.3 17.3 243 2008 Faisalabad 33.7 18.7 657 Kala Shah Kaku 29.9 19.5 609 Sargodha 31.3 17.7 592 Farooqabad 29.3 19.6 618 Shorkot 34.3 20.8 184 Shakargarh 35.8 16 112 2009 Faisalabad 31.6 17.5 377 Kala Shah Kaku 31.1 20 372 Sargodha 32.1 17.9 187 Farooqabad 31.3 20.1 376 Shorkot 34.2 21 43 Shakargarh 36.1 18.9 107 Source: Pakistan Meteorological Department

J. Agric. Res., 2014, 52(1)