Varietal Evaluation and Preference Analysis of Promising Spring Rice Genotypes in Dhamilikuwa, Lamjung, Nepal

A participatory varietal selection trial on Spring Rice (Oryza sativa L.) was conducted at Farmer’s fi eld of Dhamilikuwa, Lamjung, Nepal with objective to identify high yielding promising spring rice genotypes suitable for marginal soils and farmer’s interests during spring season 2017. Seven spring rice genotypes including local check variety (Dhamilikuwa local) were laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results revealed that yield and yield attributes were statically different among genotypes except spikelet fertility. Maximum grain yield was found in Hardinath-1 (4.81 ton/ha) which was statically similar with genotypes OM2574, PK 19333-9-9-1-1-5-5-4-1 and superior than local check variety (Dhamilikuwa local), IR 09N-503, IR 09N-538 NR 2168-65-1-1-1-1-1. On participatory varietal selection, the farmer preference score was found maximum in genotype PK 19333-9-9-1-1-5-5-4-1 which signifi es this genotype may have certain traits of farmer preference. Research Article Varietal Evaluation and Preference Analysis of Promising Spring Rice Genotypes in Dhamilikuwa, Lamjung, Nepal S Subedi*, S Sharma, A Poudel, S Adhikari and VKC Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Lamjung Campus, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal Received: 06 April, 2018 Accepted: 05 May, 2018 Published: 07 May, 2018 *Corresponding author: Santosh Subedi, Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Lamjung Campus, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal. Email:


Introduction
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the pivotal staple cereal crops feeding more than 3.5 billion people worldwide (IRRI, 2017). Oryza sativa L. belonging to Family Poaceae, Sub-family Oryzoideae, tribe Oryzae with chromosome number 24 i.e. 2n = 24 [1]. Rice ranks third most staple crop after Maize & Wheat in world in terms of production [2]. Its annual production in world was 741.4 million ton with yield of 4.55 t/ha [3]. Rice ranks fi rst important staple crop of Nepal followed by Maize, Wheat, Millet and Barley. It accounts for one-fi fth of total agricultural GDP of the country. Nepal is rich in rice genetic resources with 1,700 rice landraces growing from 60 to 3,050 m altitude [4]. Rice production, production area and productivity in Nepal during fi scal year 2015/2016 was 42, 99, 079 ton, 13, 62, 908 ha & 3.15 ton/ha. Likewise, in Western Development Region its production and production area were 11, 08, 932 ton & 3, 08, 090 ha respectively. Similarly, in Western hills, its production and area of production were 4, 05, 912 ton & 1, 23, 850 ha respectively [5]. Similarly, in Lamjung district rice production area, production & productivity of rice during 2015/16 fi scal year were recorded to be 14, 059 ha, 37, 772 ton & 2.687 ton/ha respectively [6].
Food insecurity has grown as a major problem to focus in recent scenario of Nepal. In addition, rapid population growth has increased daily food demand [7]. Furthermore, in recent decade's climate change and natural calamities like drought, fl ood, pest infestation and fl uctuation in rainfall pattern are extra risk factors to have food secured condition (Bhandari, 2015). Use of adaptable and high yielding variety is one of key factor in achieving rice suffi ciency (Christian, 2015). Spring rice is a short durational, resistant to many diseases and pests, photoperiod insensitive rice with high yield potential.
Being as spring season rice, commonly grown in those place having abundant irrigation facility helps to minimize the weed infestation. Higher intensity of light during spring resulting the higher yield. Spring rice also can grow in those area prone to fl ood and landslide during rainy season. Besides the drought problem in Asia, problem of weeds, and fl ooding is prevalent in Inappropriate genotypic/varietal evaluation and selection on our country had led to the less development of variety with high yield potential. Improvement and participatory selection of promising spring rice genotypes by study the genetic variability, character association between yield traits and farmer preference analysis helps in rice breeding for development of best spring rice varieties in western hill of Nepal.

Materials and Methods
The experiment was carried out at farmer's fi eld of Dhamilikuwa, Lamjung, Nepal situated at 28.09°N latitude, 84.47°E longitude and altitude of 607 m above mean sea level.
The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The experimental material was planted in three blocks. Each block consisted of eight genotypes randomized and replicated within each block.
Twenty seven days old seedlings were transplanted 20cm apart between rows and 20cm within the row. All necessary precautions were taken to maintain uniform plant population in each treatment per replication. All the recommended package of practices was followed along with necessary prophylactic plant protection measures to raise a good crop. Observations were recorded and the data was subjected to statistical analysis.
Preference analysis through casting votes was conducted when most variety reached around 80% maturity [9]. Total votes cast  Statistical analyses for the yield and yield attributes were done through F-test in R-stat and preference analysis was done on CGIAR model [10].