The Diversity of Agronomic Characteristics of Several Local Aceh Rice Germplasm

Abstract

To accelerate the target of national food self-sufficiency, especially rice, the development of upland rice that has high yields and is adaptive to extreme environments is needed. Fulfillment of high-yielding characteristics begins with characterization and selection to get the most adaptive varieties. This study aims to identify the morpho-physiological characteristics of Aceh rice germplasm. The study was conducted in Gampong Paloh Lada and at the Agroecotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Malikussaleh, Aceh Utara Regency, and at the Biology Laboratory in Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara, from April to August 2022. This research used a Randomized Block Design non Factorial, comprising 7 local inbreds viz., Unsyiah Cakep (G1), Unsyiah Seumeulu (G2), Cot Bada (G3), Sigunca (G4), Sigupai (G5), Cot Bada (G6) and Rajasa (G7). The parameters measured were growth and yield variables consisting of plant height, number of tillers, flowering age, leaf proline content, root length, shoot-root ratio, number of grains, and weight of 1000 grains. The results indicated that the local germplasm Sigunca and Sigupai have good adaptability by adjusting plant height and forming more tillers than other germplasm. In terms of generative growth, Unsyiah Mantap and Cot Bada are entering generative growth more quickly, as marked by the appearance of flowers. The proline content as an indicator of resistance to water limitations was achieved at the highest level in Unsyiah Cakap at 5 g/mol, followed by Unsyiah Mantap at 3 g/mol.