Quantitative Characterization of Some Upland Rice (Oryza Sativa L) in the Forest-Savannah Transition Zone of Edo State, Nigeria

Quantitative characterization of some upland rice (Oryza stiva, L) accessions were carried out in the Teaching and Research Farm, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma located in the Forest-Savannah transition zone of Edo State, Nigeria. A total of fifteen quantitative characters were described. The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block with three replicates. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance. Duncan’s Multiple Range Test was used to separate the means. The Flag Leaf Length (FLL) which had great impact in panicle development and grain yield recorded significant differences among the rice accessions. Culm height varied according to environments, management practices and varieties; and the length of the growing season determined how many nodes culm developed (usually 13-16). Tillers/plant closely related with panicle number and thus yield, flowering cycle, panicles/plant which determined number of grain yields and maturity cycles varied significantly among the rice accessions. Weight of panicles determined by size and thickness of grains. Grain length, width and thickness important factors relating to not only grain yield but also grain quality in rice. 1000grains weight per rice accession which depends on several properties, such as the number of panicles per plant, number of grains per panicle, weight of grain and the link of this property with other components of yield indirectly contributes to high variability differed significantly between rice accessions.