Genetic Characterization of Local Adaptable Rice Landraces of Nagaland, India

Nagaland is one of the parts of the center of origin of rice, and has diversified rice landraces with unique cooking quality, taste, aroma and stress tolerance. In current study, landraces were evaluated for grain quality, yield and stress tolerance. Landraces Aongsho, Semmeki, Goyo Tsük and Moya Tsük showed higher yield as compared to Bhalum-3 check variety in the upland ecosystem. Whereas, Mehourü was the smallest landraces with a height of 65 cm. Among all the landraces under study, Yunghah, Goyo Tsük, Rükhatang and Vepvu Tsük were found strongly aromatic. While, Teke, Aongsho and Semmeki landrace showed moisture stress tolerance. Cluster and principal component analysis grouped the landraces into six distinct clusters. These landraces harbor the genes for various grain quality traits, drought tolerance and brown spot disease (Cochliobolus miyabeanus) tolerance. Superior landraces identified for grain quality, drought tolerance and brown spot can be utilized in future breeding programmes. This study may help in pre-breeding activities for development of improved varieties/hybrids for this agro-climatic zone.