Comparative Study of Mean, Correlation, Path and ADH Activity in the Screening of Submergence Tolerance in Indica Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract Present research investigation comprised of 28 rice genotypes of different origin were evaluated simultaneously under normal and artificially submerged conditions in Random Block Design with three replications to assess genetic parameters, correlation coefficients, direct and indirect effect of yield and yield attributing traits. Whereas, in submerged condition Alcohol dehydrogenase activity was carried out at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 days after submergence and 5 days after de-submergence The combined analysis of correlation and path revealed significant association in control and submergence stress condition. In control condition, maximum positive significant phenotypic correlation of grain yield was observed with filled grain/panicle followed by Days to 50% Flowering whereas highest negative significant phenotypic correlation was found for grain L/B ratio followed by panicle length. In submergence stress, Survival index had significant role in grain yield and association with other traits. Grain yield in submergence condition is positive significant phenotypic correlated with filled grain/panicle and flag leaf length. Survival index and days to 50% flowering showed negative significant association with grain yield. Phenotypic path coefficient analysis revealed filled grain/panicle and days to 50% flowering showed moderate and positive direct effect on grain yield. Whereas in submergence condition Plant height at Maturity (cm) and Filled Grain/ Panicle showed positive and moderate direct phenotypic effect on grain yield. Biochemical study revealed that high alcohol dehydrogenase activity coupled with high survival percentage was recorded for RYC-743, Rajendra Sweta, Swarna Sub1, and IR 96321-315-402-B-1. Hence, selection for these characters could bring improvement in yield and yield attributing traits.