Stability for yield and its attributing traits in advanced aromatic genotypes of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Thirteen aromatic rice genotypes were evaluated for their stability parameters with respect to yield and its attributing characters like days to fifty per cent flowering, plant height (cm), panicle length (cm), number of panicles per square meter, number of spikelets per panicle, spikelet fertility and test weight in a multi-locational trial at four different sites viz. ARS, Vadgaon Maval (Pune), ZARS, Igatpuri (Nashik) ARS, Karad (Satara) and ARS, Radhanagari (Kolhapur). Pooled analysis of variance reflects existence of significant differences among the genotypes, among the environments and genotype x environment interactions. Environment linear and non linear components played major role in estimating stability parameters. The genotypes VDN-17-58 and VDN-1819 both having strong aroma, a genotype RDN-17-29 having mild aroma, and all the three were found average stable for the traits viz, seed yield, plant height, spikelet fertility and test weight. These three genotypes also recorded higher milling percentage, more head rice recovery, lower amylose, and could be recommended for cultivation in Western Maharashtra (Pune, Nashik, Satara, Kolhapur districts). The stable genotype KJT-011-19 for seed yield and other characters had lower milling percentage, lower head rice recovery and grain chalkiness hence could not be suitable for cultivation.