Morphological variability, germination ability and survival rate of weedy rice seeds in Ampara and Matara Districts in Sri Lanka

Abstract

High diversity in morphology and physiology of weedy rice is important resource for rice breeding. Present study was aimed to determine the seed morphological diversity, germination percentage and survival rate of weedy rice populations in Matara and Ampara districts. Significant diversity of seed shape, awn length, hull color and pericarp color was observed. Germination percentage and survival rates were highly variable. Our results showed that great diversity in weedy rice seeds and the favorable characteristics such high germination percentage, high survival ability, own less seeds, proper seed shape and pericarp color can be incorporated into cultivated rice varieties in rice breeding programs.