Environment Interaction in Cold Tolerant Genotypes of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) for Vigour Index

Abstract:

Evaluation of promising rice genotypes in multi-environmental situations takes into consideration the genotype by environment interaction as a key step. This study was performed to spot stable, cold tolerant genotypes for seedling cold stress with attributes for future breeding programs. Thirty-eight rice genotypes were screened for cold stress under laboratory conditions to determine their stability and adaptability with various stability models, viz., Wricke’s Ecovalence, Coefficient of Variation, Tai Stability Analysis, Shukla’s Stability Variance, Superiority Measure, Perkins and Jinks and Eberhart-Russell method. The G×E interaction effects explained the trait vigour index to be contributed mainly by the environmental component. The vigour index was positively correlated with Superiority measure and Perkins and Jinks stability models. Among all the genotypes, VIVEKDHAN-85, SKAU-389, RAJENDRA, K-429, RP-2421 and HPR 2336 were found to be promising by having wider adaptability in different environmental conditions and could serve as reliable donors in the target environments offering a vital source for expanding the genetic base of cold stress tolerance and development of adapted genotypes.