Comparative Analysis of Germination Parameters and Seedling Performance Among Local Rice Cultivars in Pyuthan, Nepal
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21704/pja.v9i3.2364Keywords:
Germination percentage, local varieties, seedling growth, Seedling vigorAbstract
Rice (Oryza sativa) is a staple food crop in Nepal, contributing significantly to national food security and economic stability. Despite the country's rich rice genetic diversity, farmers in Pyuthan face challenges due to inadequate seedling growth, leading to reduced yields. This study aims to examine the potential of local rice varieties in Pyuthan, Nepal, by evaluating key seed quality traits such as germination percentage, seedling vigor, and growth rates to enhance yield, reduce crop loss from climate variability, and improve overall agricultural productivity. The experiment utilized a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) to evaluate four local rice varieties- Sano Marsi, Kanjira, Meghdutt, and Jadan-in twenty experimental units, with five replications per variety, under controlled conditions in a plastic house. Key parameters, including germination rate, seedling vigor, root and shoot growth, and moisture percentage, were measured, revealing significant differences in the performance of the varieties. The local variety Sano Marsi showed superior traits, including the highest germination rate (97.8%), germination index (0.936), seedling vigor index (4434.78), shoot length (26.07 cm), root length (19.30 cm), and dry weight (0.168 g). Jadan and Meghdutt performed well but were outperformed by Sano Marsi, while Kanjira showed the lowest performance. Moisture percentage and fresh weight did not show significant differences among the varieties. The study compared four local rice varieties; Jadan, Kanjira, Meghdutt, and Sano Marsi- and found that Sano Marsi outperformed the others in germination efficiency, seedling growth, and dry weight. These findings suggest that Sano Marsi is the most suitable variety for improving seedling quality and yield potential in Pyuthan, making it highly recommended for local farmers.
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