Screening of rice genotype and evaluation of their ratooning ability in Jigawa State, Nigeria

This study evaluated the genetic variability and ratooning ability of ten Nigerian rice genotypes under the Sudan Savanna conditions of Jigawa State, Nigeria. The experiment assessed performance differences between the main and ratoon crops using key agronomic and yield traits. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation (GCV and PCV) were observed for the number of tillers, productive tillers, tiller weight, plant height, yield per tiller, yield per plant, filled grains, and harvest index in the main crop, indicating substantial genetic diversity. Most traits exhibited high heritability (56.1–96.8 %) and high genetic advance, suggesting predominance of additive gene action. Similar trends were recorded in the ratoon crop, with high GCV, PCV, and heritability for the number of ratoon tillers, productive tillers, ratoon height, spikelet fertility, and ratoon yield per plant, implying effective selection potential. Among the genotypes, FARO 44, FARO 60, and NERICA 8 displayed superior ratooning ability and the highest yield recovery (78.4 %, 77.6 %, and 72.8 %, respectively). The results demonstrate the presence of wide genetic variability and significant scope for genetic improvement through direct selection. These findings emphasize ratoon cropping as a sustainable and cost-effective strategy to enhance rice productivity in northern Nigeria.