Morphological and biochemical markers for cold tolerance in Boro rice

Twenty two genotypes of rice were grown in winter season nursery to study their tolerance ability against low temperature stress at seedling stage and to find out suitable morphological and biochemical parameters, which may help in screening for cold tolerance at seedling stage. Out of ten morphological and biochemical parameters, seedling vigour, reducing sugar, phenol content and soluble protein exhibited highly significant correlation with cold tolerance as well as among themselves. Path coefficient analysis revealed maximum direct effect of germination percentage, reducing sugar and phenol content on cold tolerance. These traits were found to be most efficient markers for screening of cold tolerant genotypes at seedling stage. The genotype PSRM-1-16-481 showed excellent cold tolerant reaction and found superior to the best check Gautam for cold tolerance.