Soil salinity and alkalinity are a widespread problem in a number of rice (Oryza sativa L.) growing countries, particularly in South Asia. Kalanamak is one of the finest quality traditional scented ...rices of India. Tolerance of 40 lines of Kalanamak was evaluated at pH 4.5, 7.0 and 8.9, under in vitro conditions, both in the absence and presence of 70 mM NaCl and also in Usar soil in the field at a different pH. Different lines exhibited wide variability in their sensitivity to pH and/or salt, both under in vitro and in vivo conditions. In vitro, adverse effect of salt was more pronounced at high pH (8.9). Most of the lines that showed salt tolerance relative to root and/or shoot growth at high pH under in vitro conditions, e.g., 3119, 3120, 3120-1, 3126, 3128, 3130, 3131, 3216, 3216-1, 3222, 3256, 3278 and 3319 performed well in Usar soil in the field even at pH 9-9.5. Two high quality, panicle blast-resistant and relatively salt-tolerant lines (3119 and 3131) yielded equally well or better than coarse grain cultivar Narendra Usar-2 recommended for the cultivation on Usar soil. In a multilocation field trial, Kalanamak 3119 yielded well on alkaline, coastal saline and inland saline soils. This line holds great potential for cultivation on Usar soil.
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