Inheritance of kernel length and kernel elongation in basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Understanding the genetics of kernel length and cooked kernel elongation is the prerequisite for developing premium quality Basmati lines/varieties. In the present investigation, an attempt was made to determine the inheritance pattern of kernel length and cooked kernel elongation in the cross Taroari Basmati x RAU 3036, and Pusa Basmati 1121 x Chhatri, respectively. The crosses were made during Kharif 2014 and F1 and F2 populations along with their parents were raised during Rabi, summer 2014-15 and Kharif 2015, respectively. In both F2 populations, the frequency distribution of kernel length and kernel elongation ratio of segregating populations formed bimodal curve, which indicates the predominance of major genes along with few modifier genes in genetic control of both traits. From the observations, it can be concluded that kernel length and kernel elongation ratio is controlled by one or two major genes and those were influenced by few modifier genes. Also there is no consensus yet on the nature of inheritance of kernel length and kernel elongation.