Rice genetic resources indigenous to Bay Islands - a profile

Abstract

To pursue collection and cataloguing of rice germplasm indigenous to Bay Islands, recurrent exploratory surveys were made in south, middle and north Andamans, during the rice growing season. Bay Island is a union territory of India, located 1200 km east of mainland India in Bay of Bengal. The unique species Orym indandamanica Ellis available only in Bay Islands has been profiled in detail. The germplasms collected were analysed in respect of agro-botanical traits and stress tolerance profile. Grain quality parameters were anlaysed to assess consumer acceptance. C14-8 was found to be the most adapted cultivar and it could be used to breed lines for areas with low input management. Similarly Red Burma and Ranchi dhan emerged as drought tolerant sources and Khusbaya, Black and White Jeera rice are useful for breeding scented rice. For nutritional quality improvement, Red and Black Burma provide ample scope.