Development of modern upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties with superior milling and physico-chemical traits, for Papua New Guinea.

Abstract

To select suitable upland variety(ies), the tailor made germplasm was imported from IRRI. After preliminary evaluation, six genotypes were selected. In both the confirmatory trials, under severe drought, selections ADT 31, IAC 165, IR 47686-6-2-2-1, IRAT 104 and Niupela outyieldedthe rest of the selections. The Regional yield trials on these promising varieties were conducted country wide during 1993, in comparison to either Niupela ora locally grown variety in the respective area (Finschafen) or other genotypes we have developed so far. IAC 165, ADT 31, IR 47686-6-2-2-1, IRA T104 and Niupela proved their high yielding potentials in these regional yield trials. IAC 165 & ADT 31 are one month early maturing than the rest. The varieties IAC 165, IR 4768-6-2-2- 1, IRA T 104 & Niupela possess good milling recovery and most of their physico-chemical traits are desirable. IAC 165 has very low amylose contents, but cooks as soft as IRA T 104 & IR 47686-6-2-2-1. Therefore it may be suitable as a glutinous variety. The varieties IRAT 104 & IR 47686-6-2-2-1 seem to be good for upland cultivation in the country.