Characterization and Comparative Assessment of Ten Advanced Lines of Aus Rice (Oryza sativa)

The present study focuses on the characterization and comparative assessment of ten advanced lines of Aus rice (Oryza sativa L.), an ecotype known for its adaptability to adverse environmental conditions. The experiment was conducted at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Bangladesh, during the Aus season of 2017, using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Various agronomic traits, including plant height, panicle length, tiller number, and yield components, were recorded and analyzed to assess genetic variability. Significant genetic diversity was observed among the genotypes, with high heritability estimates for key traits, indicating their potential for selection in breeding programs. Correlation and path coefficient analyses revealed strong associations between plant height, panicle length, and grain yield, highlighting their importance in yield improvement strategies. The findings emphasize the genetic potential of Aus rice for breeding high-yielding, stress-tolerant varieties, contributing to global food security and sustainable rice production.