Exploring phenotypic variability in quantitative and qualitative traits in F2 population of local red rice

Red rice is nutrient-dense, yet local varieties display suboptimal ideotypes characterized by prolonged growth duration, susceptibility to lodging, and open panicles with reduced grain count, constraining its yield. We hybridized a well-adapted, high-yielding variety, Binadhan-17, with a red rice mutant (derived from local red rice) by cross and reciprocal cross, intending to uncover changes in quantitative and qualitative traits in the F 2 population. Histograms and descriptive analysis revealed the highest variation in key yield components, with the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) close to the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), indicating genetic control over the environment. Variation in Genetic Advance (GA) and Genetic Advance as a Percent of the Mean (GAM) highlights the traits against which selection will be crucial. Days to maturity exhibited a significant negative correlation with grain-related and panicle traits in the cross-population, while plant height positively correlated with effective tillers, panicle length, and filled grains in both populations. The variation in the Rc gene, which governs color, was validated by the SSR marker RM180, effectively distinguishing the red pericarp group from the white group. This is the first analysis integrating Rc gene validation with reciprocal F 2 populations in red rice × high-yielding variety crosses, revealing substantial variation in plant architecture and panicle-related traits and offering significant scope for selection in subsequent breeding cycles. • The first systematic approach to improving local red rice in Bangladesh. • The variability in the F2 generation has been explored. • The criteria for selecting red rice improvements have been defined.