Evaluation of varieties and land races for drought tolerance in rice {Oryza sativa L.)

Genetic potentialities of 13 parents and their 40 hybrids was assessed through combining ability studies on 14 yield and drought tolerant traits in rice. ADT 43, ASD 18 and Nootripathu were identified as potential parents based on per se performance and gca effects. Two cross combinations viz., ADT 43 Nootripathu and ADT 43/Kallurundaikar were recommended for recombination breeding to get desirable segregants in early segregating generations. ASD 18 Norungan, ADT 43/Vellaichitrakar, ADT 43/Kallurundaikar, IR 50/Kallurundaikar, ADT 43/Varappukudanchan, ASD 16 Vellaichitraikar and ADT 36 Nootripathu may be exploited for heterosis breeding.