Abstract:
Farmers’ interest to cultivate traditional rice varieties in Low Country Wet Zone (LCWZ) was
increasing with high price, low input demand and other nutritional attributes. Yet most of the
traditional varieties grown by the farmers are not adaptable for the LCWZ. This study was aimed to
identify the best performing traditional rice varieties in Galle district base on yield, agronomic
characters and preference of the farmers and consumers. Selected eleven traditional rice varieties
(Suwandel, Dhanahala, Beheth Heeneti, Pachchaperumal, Rathdel, Ranthembiliel, Kuruluthuda, Kahata
Wee, Herath Banda, Gonabaru, Kahawanu) cultivated by the farmers in Galle District and two
improved varieties (Ld 368 and Bw 372) were evaluated at Rice Research Station, Labuduwa in
Randomized Complete Block Design with two replicates during 2017/18 Maha season. At the
maturity stage a field day was conducted with the participation of farmers, officers of Department of
Agriculture and University staff. Varieties were evaluated by voting based on visual observations.
Based on the performances at Research level, five selected traditional varieties and two improved
lines were tested as observational trials at 30 farmer fields in Galle district during 2018 Yala. Same
varieties were tested in 5 farmer fields in Randomized Complete Block Design during 2018/19 Maha
season. Ld 368 was the shortest variety, Kuruluthuda, Bw 372 and Rathal were not significantly
different form Ld 368. Kahata Wee recorded the highest panicle length and flag leaf and leaf width.
When the seed per panicle is considered, panicle weight, and number of filled grains per plant, higher
values were recorded by the improved variety Ld 368 with low shattering. Bw 372, Kuruluthuda,
Herath Banda, Raththembilal also recorded lower shattering while Beheth heenati, Kahatawee,
Suwandal and Dahanala recorded higher shattering percentage indicating the inferior agronomy of
traditional varieties. Kuruluthuda, Pachchaperumal, and Bw 372 also recorded higher values for filled
seeds per plant. Ld 368 was the highest yield recorder, Kuruluthudu and Kahawanu also recorded
similar yields. According to participatory evaluation ranks, Kahawanu, Kuruluthuda and Suwandal
were preferred by the evaluators. Improved varieties Ld 368 and Bw 372 performed better with
higher yield in farmer field testing. Out of traditional varieties Gonabaru recorded better yields in 3
locations, Kuruluthuda, Rathal and Suwandal also recorded more than 3t/ha in 3 locations. According
to farmer preference and yield performance Gonabaruru and Kuruluthuda were most preferred and
followed by Suwndal and Rathal.
