Genetic Variability in Floral Characteristics Influencing Outcrossing in Oryza sativa L.¹

The genetic variability and correlation coefficients involving five floral characters were investigated in a group of 29 cultivated and wild rices ( Oryza Sp .). Wide variability existed in anther length, stigma length, and percent exserted stigma. The genetic variation constituted a high proportion of the total variation for these traits. Thus, selection for these characters is expected to be highly effective. The percent exserted stigma showed a high positive correlation with stigma length. Both traits also were correlated positively with spikelet length and anther length. One accession each of Oryza saliva f. spontanea and O. perennis subsp. balunga possessed anthers twice as long as those of cultivars. They also had a much higher proportion of exserted stigmas than most cultivated varieties.