Deciphering gene action governing grain quality features in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Grain quality is the prime concern aimed at genetic improvement of rice. The present investigation was undertaken to decode the per se performance, combining ability effects, nature and magnitude of gene action to improve grain quality in rice. Twenty-three rice varieties were subjected to cluster analysis. Seven lines were chosen from cluster II and three testers were selected from cluster I and 21 hybrids obtained through Line × Tester mating fashion were evaluated for 11 grain quality traits. Non additive gene action was predominant in most of the grain quality characters. Considering both per se performance and gca effects, MDU 6, CO 51, ADT 37 and ADT 41 were identified as the best parents for getting superior segregants for quality enhancement. Three hybrids viz. , ADT 37/VGD 1, RNR 15048/VGD 1 and CO 51/Jeeragasamba were identified as promising ones for enhancement of grain quality traits. Hybrids chosen for recombination breeding were Improved Samba Mahsuri/ADT 41 and Improved White Ponni/ADT 41 for improving kernel breadth, ADT 37/ Jeeragasamba for milling percentage and ADT 37/ADT 41 for kernel length after cooking. Hence, due attention must be given to these hybrids for getting slender grain type segregants with high yield.