Analysis of Nutritional Quality Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Landraces through Variability and Correlation Studies

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the staple crop for more than half of the world’s population and serves as a major dietary energy. However, polished rice grains are often deficient in essential Micronutrient such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and protein. Therefore, identification of genotypes possessing superior nutritional quality traits is important for rice bio-fortification programmes. To evaluate the extent of variability and the relationship among nutritional traits in rice landraces. Thirteen nutritional and grain quality traits were evaluated for genetic parameters. High GCV and PCV estimates were observed Fe content in polished rice (FEP), single plant yield (SPY) and Fe content in brown rice (FEB), indicating the existence of substantial variability among the genotypes. High heritability couples with high GAM were observed for SPY, FEB, ZNB and FEP, suggesting the predominance of additive gene action and possibility of improvement through direct selection. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlation between Zn content and Fe content in brown rice, protein content in brown rice with protein content in polished rice. The results indicated the presence of considerable variability for nutritional traits among the rice traditional genotypes, which can be effectively, utilized in future breeding programmes aimed at developing nutrient-rice rich varieties.