Evaluation of traditional upland rice varieties planted under upland and rainfed lowland conditions

Abstract

Planting traditional upland rice varieties (TURVs) is one major challenge for local farmers due to climate change and availability of area. To determine the agronomic performance of TURVs under lowland and upland rainfed conditions, this study was conducted. Nine TURVs were used, namely, Awot, Azucena, Kalutak, Karimon, Malido, Mansanaya, Manombalay, Milagrosa, and Puting Gamay. UPL Ri 3 was used as basis for comparison. These were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results of the study revealed that six (Awot, Azucena, Kalutak, Malido, Milagrosa, and Puting Gamay) out of the nine TURVs performed better than UPL Ri 3 under lowland condition while five (Awot, Azucena, Karimon, Malido, and Manombalay) for the upland condition. The TURVs were taller and developed the longest and heavy panicles but were inferior to the control in terms of number of tillers. Some TURVs (Azucena, Kalutak, Malido, Mansanaya, Milagrosa, and Puting Gamay) had matured earlier than the upland conditions. Insects pests were present in the field but only the upland condition have significant damage. On the other hand, grain yield of TURVs under both conditions were comparable to the control which produced over 4 t/ha for lowland and 5 t/ha for upland. These results indicate that TURVs have different responses under different condition that affects their growth development. The recommended varieties for both conditions were Awot, Azucena, and Malido which performed better than UPL Ri -3.