Comparative study on physical and physio-biochemical traits relating to seed quality of pigmented and non-pigmented rice

Ten pigmented and non-pigmented rice genotypes were evaluated to estimate the genetic parameters, heritability and association of twenty seven physical, physiological and biochemical traits related to seed quality. The results revealed the existence of wider genotypic variation with high heritability combined and high genetic advance for bulk density, rate of radicle growth, root-to-shoot ratio, gamma-oryzanols in non-pigmented rice while electrical conductivity, rate of root growth, seedling length, plumule-to-radicle ratio, absolute growth rate, seed vigour index II, hydration capacity, swelling capacity and total phenolic content, in pigmented rice. Higher heritability along with higher genetic advance observed for the seed quality traits in pigmented rice could be successfully transferred to high yielding cultivar. Kharif season favoured the seed quality traits in all the genotypes compared to the Summer season. The seed quality traits such as thousand seed weight, rate of root growth, germination, absolute growth rate, seed vigour index II, total anthocyanin content, total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were found superior in pigmented rice genotypes suggested the importance of pigmented rice genotypes for improving seed quality traits. Two pigmented rice genotypes, Rajmunlo and AUS 175 were observed as suitable donors for seed quality traits including seed vigour.