1Division of Genetics and Plant Breeding, FOA, SKUAST-Kashmir, Wadura, India
2Proteomics Lab. Division of Plant Biotechnology, FOH, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shalimar Campus, India
3Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops, Khudwani, SKUAST-Kashmir, India
4Division of Vegetable Science, FOH, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shalimar Campus, India
5Division of Plant Pathology, FOA, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shalimar Campus, India
6Division of Agri. Econ and Statistics, FOA, SKUAST-Kashmir, Wadura, India
7Division of Basic Science and Humanities, FOH, SKUAST-Kashmir, Wadura, India
8Division of Agri Statistics, FOH, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shalimar, India
9Division of Entomology, FOH, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shalimar Campus, India
*Author for correspondence: smzargar@skuastkashmir.ac.in
Online published on 11 March, 2026.
Here, 140 pigmented rice genotypes from the North Western Himalayas were evaluated with the objective of addressing the concerns of nutritional insecurity faced by the population having rice as a staple food. Using an augmented block design, we assessed morphological traits alongside biochemical traits like total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity. The principal component analysis identified genotypes SR-2 and NBPGR-16 as promising for plant height and panicle length, while GS-608 excelled in grain yield and antioxidant activity. High TPC and TFC were found in Black Rice, SKUA-533-1, and ZAG-V4, with GS-596 and Chanab showing strong antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the results revealed substantial variability, indicating the potential for targeted breeding to enhance yield and nutritional quality. This study highlights promising pigmented genotypes with superior agronomic performance and health-promoting properties, providing a foundation for breeding programs aimed at improving food security and public health through biofortified rice.
Pigmented rice, Genetic Variability, Flavonoids, Phenols, Antioxidants
