Evaluation of the Crop Establishment methods for Submerge Tolerant Rice Variety: Bg455 under Waterlogged Conditions

Abstract

A major portion of Sri Lanka low lying lands lies in a belt along the Western coast from Wennappuwa to Dondra. Approximately 28,000ha of low lying lands are situated in the Low Country Wet Zone of Sri Lanka. These lands are often under water logged condition due to their low lying nature. Sowing of seeds, the most popular method of establishment is limited by the water logging nature of these lands. Transplanting though possible, is limited by the scarcity of labor. Objective of this study was to identify an appropriate method of establishment of submergence tolerant Bg 455 rice variety under water logged condition. Treatments were transplanting, seedling broadcasting (parachute method], broadcasting of untreated seeds, broadcasting of pre germinated seeds (48h soaked and 24h incubated], broadcasting of pre germinated seeds (24h soaked and 72h incubated), and the control treatment. The treatments were laid out in randomized complete block design with three replicates. Experiment unit was a 6m x 3m plot. 10cm of water level was maintained for ten days. Number of plants/unit area, days to 50% flowering and plot yield were measured. Number of plants per unit area and the plot yield (t/ha) was significantly different among the treatment. The significantly higher yield (3 t/ha) was recorded in the both transplanting and parachute method. The second best method was the broadcasting of 48h soaked and 24 h incubated seeds. Therefore, broadcasting of 48h soaked and 24 h incubated seeds are recommended as the best method of establishment for Bg 455 under water logged condition.