Assessment of Aerobic and Anaerobic Germination of Different Deep Water Rice Landraces

Rice is the staple food crop for more than half of the world’s population. Majority of the population of India is highly dependent on the production of rice. Most of the rice producing states of India suffer heavy rainfall during the monsoon season especially the North-Eastern states such as Assam. Generally, the traditional rice varieties cannot withstand the adverse effects caused by prolonged submerged conditions caused by flood. But most of the deep water rice varieties show even better growth in submerged conditions. DWR is also bestowed with a multitude of nutrients, minerals and anti-oxidants which make it a desirable food crop. However during sowing period, a protracted water logged condition may kill the seedlings. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the germination percentage of different DWR varieties in aerobic condition and anaerobic conditions and to compare the growth of the seedlings in both the conditions. The study revealed that Kola bao, Sonjul, Ikora, Rangadhar kekowa, Adoliya, Borehha, Amona and Biria bhonga bao showed 100% germination in aerobic condition. However, in case of anaerobic condition, Maguri showed the highest germination percentage. DWR is only rice variety that can be grown in the areas inundated by flood and serve as a subsistence crop for the locals.