Abstract

                                In order to design an efficient breeding program for synthesis of new varieties with virtues of drought tolerance and high yielding ability, it is necessary to identify potential parents that combine well for both yield and drought tolerance. Hence, the present investigation was undertaken to evaluate genetic potentiality of four lines and ten testers and their 40 hybrids by subjecting to in vitro screening for root traits under controlled condition in order to use them in drought resistance breeding programmes. Observations were recorded on root length, shoot length, root dry weight, shoot dry weight and root: shoot ratio. Two genotypes viz. ,MAS 946 -1, MAS 26 among parents and 8 genotypes viz., IR 58025 A x IR 65912 R, IR 68897 A x MAS 946-1, TNAU CMS 2A x Vandana, IR 68888 A x MAS 26, IR 68888 A x BI 33, IR 58025 A x IR 21567 R, IR 68897 A x Vandana and TNAU CMS 2A x MAS 26 among hybrids showed significantly superior mean values than grand mean for all the traits included in the study. Therefore, parental genotypes can be used as potential donors in drought resistance breeding program and identified outstanding hybrids may be suggested for commercial cultivation after the conduct of MLT and ART trials.

Key words : Rice, Root traits, Drought tolerance, In-vitro screening, Burette.