Development of Upland Rice Varieties for Drought Tolerance through Drought Susceptibility Index and Stability Parameters

Breeding for upland rice having high yield potential coupled with drought tolerance should be the strategy for a successful breeding programme. Twenty seven genotypes were evaluated for drought susceptibility index (DSI) and stability under three water regimes. Genotype, environment and their interactions influenced significantly the phenotypes for all characteristics of genotypes. CBT 3–06 and Anjali were identified as stable genotypes by Eberhart & Russell model. The use of DSI is likely to be most beneficial in selecting parents for development of drought resistant populations, particularly when yield potential vary greatly among the tested genotypes. Lalsar, RR 348-6, CR 143-2-2, Kalinga III, Brown Gora and CB 0-13-1 were recorded lowest DSI (DSI<1/=1) for seed yield over the conditions. This contrast CR 143-2-2 Brown Gora and CB 0-13-1 recorded good score for EVV, tip drying, leaf rolling and drought score and suggested for inclusion into hybridization to obtain improved recombinants for water stress environments. Based on the various parameters, the genotypes Kalinga III CB 0-13-1 may be exploited for commercial cultivation under different water regimes after some adjustment to stabilize the yield.