QUALITATIVE MORPHOLOGICAL DIVERSITY OF SELECTED RICE (ORYZA SATIVA L.) GERMPLASM

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important staple foods crops whose demand is increasing mainly due to population growth and urbanization. It is ranked first in most Asian countries and second to maize in Malawi. The aim of the current study was to characterize both local and elite rice germplasm using morphological and grain quality traits in order to identify and document superior germplasm for conservation and use in further breeding programme. The experiment was conducted at Lifuwu Agricultural Research Station during the 2024/2025 rainy season in Alpha Lattice Design (ALD), with three replications and plot dimension of 5 m x 0.4 m. Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC) which was done using squared Euclidean distance and (UPGMA) in GenStat (19th Edition) classified 200 rice germplasm into six distinct groups based on morphological and grain quality traits. The germplasm with rare anthocyanin pigmentation such as G81, G83, and G91; diverse awns such as G11, G31, and G76; and variable pubescence such as G1, G2, and G32 serve as valuable donors for resilience and marker-assisted selection. Germplasm with intermediate gelatinization temperature and favorable alkali digestion (G3, G4, G8, G93, G120) are superior sources for grain quality improvement, while chalk-free germplasm (G1, G2, G75, G190) support the development of premium translucent varieties suited to Malawi’s market. The outcomes of this study have a significant contribution to rice improvement goals and objectives in identifying and documenting diverse superior germplasm for adoption by rice growers after advancement or used in further breeding programs.