Abstract:
A preliminary survey was carried to find out traditional rice varieties grown in selected
sites in Southern province. Susceptibility of identified traditional rice varieties to recorded
insect pest attacks were evaluated under the laboratory conditions. Farmer preference for
specific traditional rice varsities were evaluated by using structural questionnaire and
discussions with relevant stakeholders. Twenty five rice farmers who grow both traditjonal
and hybrid rice varieties in secretarial divisions of Ambalantota, Hakmana, Kamburupitiya,
Tihagoda, Ambalangoda, Attudawa were subjected to this study. The main traditional rice
varieties grown by farmers were “Kalu heenati”, “Ratdal”, “Ma vee”, “Kuruluthuda”,
“Hatada vee”, “Dahanala”, “Madatawalu” and “Pacchaperumal” and usually these farmers
grow more than one traditional rice varieties in their paddy cultivation. Results indicated
that more than 50% of fanners preferred to grow rice varieties such as “Kuruluthuda”,
Kaluheenati, Ratdal and Hatadavee and the least preferred rice varity was “Madatawalu”
(10%). Specifically in Matara district farmers preferred to cultivate Ma vee in Nilwala
river basin due to the tolerance of this rice variety for flooding. In Ambalantota farmers
grow Pacchaperumal and Kuruluthuda due to their high salinity tolerance. Other reasons
for selecting traditional rice varieties were low expenditure (31%), good income (27%)
high nutritional values and medicinal properties (27%). About 15% cultivated these
varieties as their family tradition. Laboratory bioassays indicated that Kuruluthuda was the
most resistant rice variety for insect pest attack. The present study indicated that
traditional rice varieties have good potential as suitable alternatives for various
environmental impacts and infestations or common insect pests of rice.
