Evaluation of NERICA rice mutant in Jhum cultivation

Abstract

Jhum cultivation of rice is an ancient practice of the tribal people living in the hill tracts of Bangladesh. They can grow rice only once a year in the Aus season. Most of the varieties are traditional which are low yielding and long duration (140-160 days). Considering this situation, an experiment was carried out to evaluate the performance of NERICA rice (Oryza sativa L.) mutant-N4/350/P-4(5) with check variety BRRI dhan48 and parent NERICA-4 for their growth, yield and duration in Aus season at jhum cultivation in Panchariupazila of Khagrachari hill tract. RCB design was followed for experimentation and data was collected during harvest. From the result it was observed that, maximum plant height (132.7 cm), percent unfilled grains/hill (45.02) and 1000 seed weight (33.69) was obtained from NERICA-4. Days to 50% flowering (78.33), days to maturity (95.33 DAD) and HI (15.35%) was also found to be lowest by NERICA-4. BRRI dhan48 exhibited lightest 1000 seed weight (26.91 g), maximum days to maturity (106 DAD) and similar percent of unfilled grains/panicle (42.87)as that of NERICA-4. NERICA mutant-N4/350/P-4(5) had lowest percentage of unfilled grains/hill (17.62), earlier maturity (101 DAD) than BRRI dhan48 and highest HI (47.77%). Straw (11.70 t/ha) and biological yield (13.80 t/ha) was most at NERICA-4 and least at NERICA mutant (straw-4.80 t/ha and biological yield-9.10 t/ha). Grain yield (4.3 t/ha) was highest observed in NERICA mutant followed by BRRI dhan48 (4.0 t/ha) and NERICA-4 (2.30 t/ha). Being a short duration, high yielding and less pest infestation line; NERICA mutant-N4/350/P-4(5) can be recommended for variety of aus season in the Jhum cultivation of hill tracts.

Full text

Int. J. Agron. Agri. R.
Chowhan et al. Page
24
RESEARCH PAPER OPEN ACCESS
Evaluation of NERICA rice mutant in Jhum cultivation
Sushan Chowhan*1, Rigyan Gupta2, Mirza Mofazzal Islam2, Shamsun Nahar Begum2
1Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) Sub-station, Khagrachari, Bangladesh
2Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
Article published on February 12, 2018
Key words: NERICA, Mutant, Aus, Hill tract, Drought.
Abstract
Jhum cultivation of rice is an ancient practice of the tribal people living in the hill tracts of Bangladesh. They can
grow rice only once a year in the Aus season. Most of the varieties are traditional which are low yielding and long
duration (140-160 days). Considering this situation, an experiment was carried out to evaluate the performance
of NERICA rice (Oryza sativa L.) mutant- N4/350/P-4(5) with check variety BRRI dhan48 and parent NERICA-4
for their growth, yield and duration in Aus season at jhum cultivation in Panchariupazila of Khagrachari hill tract.
RCB design was followed for experimentation and data was collected during harvest. From the result it was
observed that, maximum plant height (132.7 cm), percent unfilled grains/hill (45.02) and 1000 seed weight
(33.69) was obtained from NERICA-4. Days to 50% flowering (78.33), days to maturity (95.33 DAD) and HI
(15.35%) was also found to be lowest by NERICA-4. BRRI dhan48 exhibited lightest 1000 seed weight (26.91 g),
maximum days to maturity (106 DAD) and similar percent of unfilled grains/panicle (42.87)as that of NERICA-4.
NERICA mutant- N4/350/P-4(5) had lowest percentage of unfilled grains/hill (17.62), earlier maturity (101 DAD)
than BRRI dhan48 and highest HI (47.77%). Straw (11.70 t/ha) and biological yield (13.80 t/ha) was most at
NERICA-4 and least at NERICA mutant (straw-4.80 t/ha and biological yield-9.10 t/ha). Grain yield (4.3 t/ha)
was highest observed in NERICA mutant followed by BRRI dhan48 (4.0 t/ha) and NERICA-4 (2.30 t/ha). Being a
short duration, high yielding and less pest infestation line; NERICA mutant-N4/350/P-4(5) can be recommended
for variety of aus season in the Jhum cultivation of hill tracts.
* Corresponding Author: Sushan Chowhan  sushan04@yahoo.com
International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research (IJAAR)
ISSN: 2223-7054 (Print) 2225-3610 (Online)
http://www.innspub.net
Vol. 12, No. 2, p. 24-31, 2018

Int. J. Agron. Agri. R.
Chowhan et al. Page
25
Introduction
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the most extensively
cultivated cereal crop in Bangladesh, which covers
about 74% of the total cropped area (BBS, 2015). In
respect of area and production of rice, Bangladesh
ranks fourth following China, India and Indonesia
(FAO, 2014).Bangladesh has three districts in
Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) viz. Bandarban,
Rangamati and Khagrachhari. The CHT region
comprises about one tenth of the total area of
Bangladesh. The area covers 13,295 sq. km consisting
of about 77% upland (hill), 20% undulating bumpy
land and 3% plain with high potential for agriculture
development. Indigenous hill people are generally
very poor, not enough educated and their livelihood
depends mostly on wage earnings and Jhum
cultivation. Jhum or shifting cultivation which is
defined as a primitive system of agriculture, the first
step in transition from food gathering and hunting to
food production which is nearly 9000 years old in the
world. A large number of CHT farmers still depend on
the Jhum/Shifting cultivation which they have been
practicing by generations. This traditional cultivation
practice has been the only way of subsistence
agriculture practice for many of the CHT people
specially who are living in remote places. It is
estimated that about 40,000 households are engaged
with Jhum cultivation in CHT. Now a days, the
shrinkage of Jhum fields and reducing yields has
created a challenge for the Jumia families (Ullah et
al., 2012). Jhum cultivation is commonly practiced
with rice, chilli, maize, wheat, yard long bean etc. For
the well-being of human life, food security as well as
livelihood security is a matter of concern. Proper
utilization of hilly lands and human assets can
contribute a lot to reduce household food insecurity
in this region. Rice is the most common crop in Jhum
farming and cultivated in rainfed condition and it is
on aus season when first rain fall at the beginning of
rainy season commonly the sowing time at March –
May. Chorui, Bobboi, Company, Horinbinni,
Kamarangdhan, Gallongbinni, Lanka poradhan,
Uttosebinni, Binnidhan, Kamarangbinni, Laxmibinni,
Dopchodaidhan, Guridhan, Torkeedhan, Angudhan,
Koborockdhan, Marry dhan, Patti dhan, Pattiya dhan,
Madhu maloti dhan, Mon angedhan, Amedhan,
Badheiadhan, Longurdhan, China IRRI etc. are the
local rice varieties commonly used for jhum
cultivation in Khagrachari district (Chakma and
Ando, 2008; Ullah et al., 2012). But, these varieties
are low yielded. In, 2016aus rice was cultivated in
4,428 hectares and average rice production (de-
husked) of local cultivars were 1.44 t/ha and HYV
were2.55 t/ha (DAE, 2016). Whereas, national
average production of Aus rice is 2.23 t/ha (BBS,
2015). Due to low yield, more pest abundance and
lack of appropriate variety farmers are unable to
achieve higher yield. Two modern rice varieties (BRRI
dhan43 and BRRI dhan27) and recently introduced
variety NERICA was cultivated in Jhum condition but
they could not perform better yield under the farmers’
low inputs. As there has been very limited
intervention on adaptive research on Jhum crops;
there’s more scope for research and development of
high yielding cultivar for this region.
Different morphological traits play very important
role for more rice production with new plant type
characteristics associated with the plant yield
(Shahidullah et al., 2009). NERICA varieties were
high yield potential and short growth cycle. Several of
them possess early vigor during the vegetative growth
phase and this is a potentially useful trait for weed
competitiveness. Likewise, a number of them are
resistant to African pests and diseases, such as the
devastating blast, rice stem borers and termites. They
also have higher protein content and amino acid
balance than most of the imported rice varieties
(WARDA, 2008). Though its cause of low productivity
in Bangladesh is still unrevealed, the farmers found
low tiller number, weak and fragile stem could be the
important morphological characters that
compromised the yield (reported in a discussion
meeting organized by UBINIG, 28 September 2012).
Yield potential of variety is determined by the genetic
constituent (Roy et al., 2014) which is manifested in
the field under provided environmental conditions.
Environment is the second most important factor that
determines the gene expression and yield of crops.

Int. J. Agron. Agri. R.
Chowhan et al. Page
26
Moreover, the scientists in the discussion meeting
assumed that the low productivity could be due to
climatic change and soil variation compared to its
origin. For this reason mutation is applied to develop
mutant lines to improve yield of NERICA lines in
Bangladesh. Mutants have made it possible to identify
critical elements for developing high yield potential
varieties exhibiting desirable traits such as semi-
dwarfism, early maturity, greater number of
panicles/plant and increased fertility. The technique
has been successfully utilized by Bangladesh Institute
of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) and many other
research institutes on different crops (Das et al.,
1999; Azad et al., 2012).
NERICA (New Rice for Africa) is an introduced rice
variety from Uganda. It was created by crossing
Oryza glaberrima and Oryza sativa. NERICA was
well adapted to drought conditions in Africa. The
yield potential of this variety is low ~5 t/ha.
Bangladesh is one of the most climate vulnerable
countries in the world. The climate change and
variability is posing serious threat to agricultural
productivity including rice production, the main food
crop. Because, the rainfall patterns has been changed
in the last couple of decades (Sultana, 2015).
Consequently, it is predicted that drought would be
one of the serious challenges to produce rice in
rainfed condition areas. Thus, to develop a drought
tolerant, short duration and high yielding rice variety
NERICA can be an important breeding material.
Considering the above situation field performance of
NERICA mutant N4/350/P-4(5) in the Jhum
cultivation was evaluated to verify its yield potential
and suitability in Jhum environment along with its
parent NERICA-4 and check variety BRRI dhan48.
Materials and methods
The field experiment was conducted during Aus
season (April-July) 2016 at the Moratila of Panchhari
upazila under Khagracharihill district. It was laid out
in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with
three replications. Unit plot size of the experiment
was 6m 5m, replication to replication distance 1m,
spacing 20 cm  15 cm; Which comprised of three rice
variety/line viz. NERICA-4 (parent), N4/350/P-4(5)
(mutant) and BRRI dhan48 (check). Among them
N4/350/P-4(5) is a mutant line obtained from
induced mutation of 350 Gyirradiation through Co
60gamma irradiator onNERICA-4 seed.
The total process of induced mutation and growth of
mutant population were maintained at Bangladesh
Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) head quarter
located at Mymensingh. Among the mutant lines
N4/350/P-4(5) was selected for its drought tolerant,
yield and yield contributing characters and finally set
for evaluation in Jhum condition.
The seeds of those varieties were directly seeded by
dibbling in Jhum cultivation. Urea, Triple super
phosphates, muriate of potash, gypsum was applied
@210-140-110-110 kg ha-1. The whole dose of triple
superphosphate, muriate of potash, gypsum and one
third of nitrogen were applied at 20DAD (days after
dibbling) and the remaining doses of nitrogen were
applied in two splits at 40 DAD and 55 DAD.
Data collection
Randomly 10 hill were selected from unit plot and
plant data were recorded after final harvest on-plant
height, days to 50% flowering (day), no. of effective
tillers/hill, no. of panicles/plant, panicle length (cm),
no. of filled grains/panicle, no. of unfilled
grains/panicle, 1000 seed weight (g), unfilled
grain/hill (%), root length/plant, days to maturity
(day), grain yield (t/ha), straw yield (t/ha) and
biological yield (t/ha). Harvest index was calculated
on the basis of adjusted grain and straw weight using
the following formula (Munshi et al., 2016)-
Harvest index (%) = Grain yield
Grains yield + straw yield100
Statistical analyses
The collected data were statistically analyzed
using "Analysis of variance technique" with the
help of computer package program MSTAT and
the significance of mean difference was adjudged
by Duncan's Multiple Range Test (Gomez and
Gomez, 1984).

Int. J. Agron. Agri. R.
Chowhan et al. Page
27
Results and discussion
The performance of different rice genotypes for grain
yield and different yield contributing characters were
evaluated (Table 1). Days to 50% flower initiation was
earlier in NERICA-4 (78.33 days) followed by
N4/350/P-4(5) (83 days) and late in BRRI dhan48
(86 days)(Table1). Due to irradiative mutation floral
biology was changed in the mutant, thus it took more
days than its parent (NERICA-4). Nuruzzaman et al.
(2016) reported days to fifty and eighty percent
flowering of N4/350/P-2(1)-32-11 rice mutant was
78.17 DAD and 84.51 DAD. Hasan (2014) recorded 81
to 82 days to fifty percent flowering in two NERICA-4
rice mutants under drought condition.
Table 1. Growth and yield components of Aus cultivars and NERICA mutant grown at Panchari, Khagrachari
during Aus season (2015-16).
Variety
Days to 50%
flowering
Plant height (cm)
No. of effective
tillers/ hill
No. of panicle/
plant
Panicle length
(cm)
No. of filled
grains/ panicle
No. of Unfilled
grains/ panicle
% Unfilled
grains/ hill
1000 seed
weight (g)
Root length/
plant (cm)
Days to
maturity
HI (%)
NERICA-4
78.33 b
132.7 a
8.400 a
8.067 a
25.03 a
82.53 a
67.41 a
45.02 a
33.69 a
14.70 a
95.33 c
15.35 c
N4/350/P-4(5)
83.00 a
116.6 b
10.73 a
9.733 a
24.00 a
56.86 a
11.89 b
17.62 b
29.26 b
11.16 a
101.0 b
47.77 a
BRRI dhan48
86.00 a
118.7 b
10.37 a
9.333 a
25.50 a
51.05 a
38.07 ab
42.87 a
26.91 c
10.59 a
106.0 a
35.25 b
LSD value
3.023
8.896
2.315
2.083
2.898
35.46
34.46
11.63
2.206
4.823
3.294
7.382
CV
1.62%
3.20%
10.39%
10.16%
5.15%
24.64%
19.43%
14.59%
3.25%
17.51%
1.44%
9.93%
Means bearing same letter(s) in a column do not differ significantly at 5% level of probability by DMRT.
Lower plant height is desirable in rice breeding.
Considering plant height BRRI dhan 48 and
N4/350/P-4(5) had found statistically identical which
are shorter than NERICA-4(132.7 cm) (Table1) (Fig.
2). Generally plant height is shortened in drought
condition but longer height of NERICA-4 was may be
due to its wild and genetic character. On the other
hand the mutant N4/350/P-4(5) and BRRI
dhan48exhibited drought tolerance through reduced
plant height. Nuruzzaman et al., (2016) reported that
the average range of plant height among the NERICA
mutants were 73.43cm to 114.77cm.
Fig. 1. Yield of NERICA mutant, it’s parent and check variety.
There were no statistical differences among the
studied variety/line in case of effective number of
tillers per hill, number of panicles per plant, panicle
length (Fig.3), number of filled grains per panicle and
root length of individual plant (Table1)(Fig.2).
Deshmukh (2012), reported that average number of
tillers per plant across the genotypes was 5.4 under
rainfed and 7.0 under irrigated conditions. Nuruzzaman
et al., (2016) found that under rainfed condition, average
effective tillers/hill of NERICA-4 was 7.33, panicle
length was 20.60 cm and effective tillers/hill of
N4/350/P-2(1)-32-11 was 14 in the Aus season.

Int. J. Agron. Agri. R.
Chowhan et al. Page
28
Hasan (2014) found that, effective number of tillers
varied from 6.67 to 10.00 and panicle length varied
from 23.67 to 24.33 among two NERICA-4 mutants.
Number and percent of unfilled grains was the
highest in NERICA-4 (67.41 and 45.02%) and the
lowest in N4/350/P-4(5) (11.89 and 17.62%) (Table1).
BRRI dhan48 gave statistically identical results as
NERICA parent. NERICA-4may have genetic
character to produce unfilled grains due its wild type
nature. On the other hand, NERICA mutant may have
high pollen viability than its parent and thus
produced less unfilled grains. Increased number of
unfilled grains/panicle usually gives fewer yields.
Unfilled grain is higher at drought or stress condition.
There was significant difference in thousand seed
weight (Table1). NERICA-4 had the highest weight
(33.69g) followed by NERICA mutant N4/350/P-4(5)
(29.26g) and BRRI dhan48 (26.91g). Seed coat of
NERICA-4 is hard, bold; seed length and diameter is
greater than the others thus weighing more.
Fig. 2. Plant height and root length of NERICA-4 (A), N4/350/P-4(5) (B) and BRRI dhan48 (C).
Root length variation was non-significant in the three
entries (Table 1). It is the indication of nutrient
availability of the top soil’s horizon which is higher
than the other depth horizon; for this reason the
rooting depth may be lower in these three entries.
Rice varieties which avoid drought usually have deep,
coarse roots with a high ability in branching and
penetration (Wang et al., 2006).
Considering days to maturity there were significant
differences was found among the genotypes (Table 1).
NERICA-4 matured earlier (95.33 days) than the
mutant N4/350/P-4(5) (101 days) followed by BRRI
dhan48 (106 days). To escape drought NERICA-4
may have matured earlier to shorten its lifecycle. On
the other hand, N4/350/P-4(5) took more days to
maturity than its parent to gain more grain yield.
BRRI dhan48 took more days to maturity due to its
own genetic makeup. Nuruzzaman et al., (2016)
concluded that NERICA rice mutants required 105.5
to 107.3 days to gain maturity. Flowering time is an
important trait related to drought adaptation, where a
short life cycle can lead to drought escape (Araus and
Royo, 2002).

Int. J. Agron. Agri. R.
Chowhan et al. Page
29
Fig. 3. Panicle length and seed morphology of NERICA-4 (A), N4/350/P-4(5) (B) and BRRI dhan48 (C).

Int. J. Agron. Agri. R.
Chowhan et al. Page
30
Maximum straw (11.70 t/ha) and biological yield
(13.80 t/ha) was obtained from NERICA-4 followed
by BRRI dhan48 (7.53 t/ha and 11.53 t/ha) and
N4/350/P-4(5) (4.80 t/ha and 9.10 t/ha) (Fig. 1).
Being a low yielding, short duration, wild vigorous
bushy type nature and over all genetic characteristics
to gain more vegetative growth rather than grain yield
may have caused to produce more straw and
biological yield in NERICA-4. Contrary, N4/350/P-
4(5) utilized available resources to store food
materials in sink (grain) and thus giving less
emphasis for vegetative growth.
Grain yield and harvest index is a vital character
having physiological importance. Considering grain
yield and HI the mutant line N4/350/P-4(5) showed
highest grain yield and HI 4.30 t/ha and
47.77%respectively than the BRRI dhan48 4.0 t/ha
and35.35% (Table 1 and Fig. 1).
Lowest HI (15.35%) and yield (2.10 t/ha) was found in
NERICA parent NERICA-4. Cui et al., (2000)
highlighted the contribution of high harvest index to
yields. High yield is determined by physiological
process leading to a high net accumulation of
photosynthates and their partitioning (Miah et al.,
1991).
Conclusion
From the result of this experiment it can be concluded
that NERICA mutant N4/350/P-4(5) can be
recommended for variety of Ausseason in jhum
cultivation because of its higher yield, shorter
duration and drought tolerance than BRRI dhan48,
NERICA-4 and other local traditional cultivars used
by the tribal farmers during Aus season.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to express sincere
appreciation and gratitude to Ongkio Marma, Field
Man of BINA Sub-station, Khagrachari and Nirban
Kumar Chakma, Sub Assistant Agriculture Officer of
the Department of Agricultural Extension for their
helpful cooperation during the entire research work
which was funded by Climate Change Trust Fund
(CCTF) project, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear
Agriculture.
References
Araus JL, Royo C. 2002. Plant breeding and water
relations in C3 cereals: what should we breed for?
Annals of Botany 89, 925–940.
Azad MAK, Uddin MI, Azam MA. 2012.
Achievements in Rice research at BINA through
Induced mutation. Global Science Books:
Bioremediation, Biodiversity and Bioavailability 6,
53-57.
BBS. 2015. Yearbook of Agricultural Statistics-2015.
27th Series, Planning Division, Ministry of Planning,
Dhaka, Bangladesh. 17-66.
Chakma SS, Ando K. 2008.Jhum cultivation in
Khagrachari hill district of Bangladesh- a subsistence
farming practices in ethnic minorities. Journal of
Agroforestry and Environment 2 (2), 1-8.
Cui J, Kusutani A, Tovata M, Asanuma K.
2000. Studies on the varietal differences of harvest
index and morphological characteristics of rice.
Japanese Journal of Crop Science 69, 359-364.
https://doi.org/10.1626/jcs.69.359
DAE (Department of Agricultural Extension)
2016. Annual Report of Additional Director Office,
DAE, Banarupa, Rangamati, Bangladesh.4-9.
Das ML, Rahman A, Malek MA. 1999. Two Early
Maturing and High Yielding Rapeseed Varieties
Developed through Induced Mutation. Bangladesh
Journal of Botany 28, 27-33.
Deshmukh VV. 2012. Genome wide association
mapping of drought resistance traits in rice (Oryza
sativa L.). MS Thesis, Department of plant
biotechnology, Tamilnadu Agricultural University,
Coimbatore.50.
FAO. (Food and Agriculture Organization of
the United Nations) 2014. FAOSTAT Crop data.
(Retrieved from- www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QC
Gomez KA, Gomez AA. 1984. Statistical
Procedures for Agricultural Research. 2nd Edition.
John Wiley and Sons. New York. 680.

Int. J. Agron. Agri. R.
Chowhan et al. Page
31
Hasan N. 2014. Screening for some drought tolerant
NERICA mutant lines.MS Thesis, Department of
Biochemistry and molecular biology, BAU,
Mymensingh. 28-71.
Miah MHN, Karim MA, Rahman MS, Islam
MS. 1991. Performance of Nizersail mutants under
different row spacing. Bangladesh Journal of Training
and Development 3(2), 31-34.
Munshi MK, Mazumder SH, Hossain MF,
Rahman M, Salim M, Paul SK. 2016.Effect of
different growth factors on transplant Aman rice cv.
Brri dhan51 during harvest. International Journal of
Agriculture and Crop Sciences 9(1), 24-32.
Nuruzzaman M, Hassan L, Begum SN, Huda
MM. 2016. Morphological characterization and
assessment of genetic parameters of NERICA mutant
rice lines under rainfed condition. Asian Journal of
Medical and Biological Research 2(4), 532-540.
https://doi.org/10.3329/ajmbr.v2i4.30993
Roy SK, Ali MY, Jahan MS, Saha UK, Ahmad-
Hamdani MS, Hasan MM, Alam MA. 2014.
Evaluation of growth and yield attributing
characteristics of indigenous Boro rice varieties. Life
Science Journal 11(4), 122-126.
https://doi.org/10.7537/marslsj110414.16
Shahidullah SM, Hanafi MM, Ashrafuzzaman
M, Ismail MR, Khair A. 2009. Genetic diversity in
grain quality and nutrition of aromatic rice. African
Journal of Biotechnology 8, 1238-1246.
Sultana S. 2015. On climate change and its impacts
on rainfall in Bangladesh. MS thesis, Centre for
Mathematical Science, Lund University, Sweden.
UBINIG. 2012. A Discussion Meeting on “NERICA
Rice and Bt Brinjal” Organized by UBINIG on 17
September 2012.
www.ubinig.org/index.php/home/showAerticle/39
Ullah MM, Malek MA, Karim MM, Ali MS.
2012. A Report on Jhum Research on CHT. Hill
Agricultural Research Station Bangladesh
Agricultural Research Institute, Khagrachari Hill
District. 3-20. (Accessed on-16.12.16)] [Cited from-
www.khdcbd.org/khagracori/assets/uploads/files/A_
Report_on_Jhum_Research_in_CHT.pdf
Wang H, Inukai Y, Yamauchi A. 2006. Root
development and nutrient uptake. Critical Reviews in
Plant Sciences 25, 279–301.
WARDA (West Africa Rice Development
Association). 2008. Rice Interspecific
Hybridization Project: Research Highlights 2008,
WARDA, Bouaké, Côted’Ivoire. 36.