The percentage of total solar energy utilisation (Eu%) for dry matter production (TDM) at progressive growth stages and for grain yield at harvest was assessed in 186 traditional rice varieties from different maturity groups. Variation to the extent of three and five times in Eu% for TDM (0.58–1.64) and grain yield (0.13–0.67) respectively was apparent among the varieties. The Eu% was maximum at flowering stage. It was higher in late duration varieties especially at flowering stage. Eu% for TDM was more in wet than in dry season. Leaf area index (LAI) at flowering and harvest index were highly associated with Eu% for TDM and grain yield respectively.
