Comparative performance indica and japonica rice (Oryza sativa) varieties under late-planted rainfed lowland condition

An experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) season of 1996 and 1997 at Pusa, Bihar, in silty loam soil under rainfed lowland conditions to compare the performance of japonica type and 4 photosensitive varieties (PSV) of indica rice (Oryza sativa) planted under late planted conditions on 21, 31 August and 10 September with a seedling age of 65, 75 and 85 days. The HYV ‘Kanak’ and ‘Mahsuri’ were not found suitable for late planting due to their staggered flowering and maturity, high incidence of insect pests and diseases, poor yield and profit. In September planting both HYV did not perform well. Weakly PSV, medium-bold-seeded ‘Rajshree’ was found suitable up to 31 August planting. Coarse-grained PSV ‘Vaidehi’ was found suitable only up to 21 August planting, with a profit of Rs 7,708/ha. Scented PSV were found suitable in all 3 dates due to less incidence of pests, optimum yield attributes and better market price of grains although their profit in 10 September planting was very marginal (Rs 2,467/ha). Highest profit of Rs 9,328/ha was found in ‘Kamini’ planted on 21 August. Highest uptake of nutrients (N, P₂O₅ K₂O) was in PSV ‘Rajshree’ with 54.3, 32.05 and 61.03 kg/ha while lowest of 44.11, 27.45 and 58.02 in HYV ‘Kanak’ under this condition.