Evaluation of Five Forage Rice Cultivars for Salinity Tolerance at the Seedling Stage and Cultural Practice in a Double-cropping Reclaimed Paddy

Abstract

In this study, we evaluated the salinity tolerance of five forage rice cultivars (Mogwoo, Mogyang, Miwoo, Jowoo, and Yeongwoo) with respect to germination, seedling growth, productivity, and feed values in a reclaimed paddy field in Muan, Korea. We found that the cultivars Mogwoo, Miwoo, Jowoo, and Yeongwoo showed normal germination and seedling growth, even at saline concentrations of between 0.1% and 0.5%, whereas in contrast, there were significant reductions in the germination and seedling growth of Mokyang with an increase in salt concentration. Among the five cultivars assessed, the seedling growth of Mogwoo and Yeongwoo was relatively higher at different salt concentrations in hydroponic and sand cultivation. Furthermore, cultivation of the five cultivars in the reclaimed paddy field with an initial salt concentration of 0.3% revealed that Yeongwoo was relatively superior in terms of yield and feed value. In conclusion, the germination and early growth of Yeongwoo were relatively good at high salt concentrations, and the yield and forage value of this cultivar in a reclaimed paddy field were also relatively superior to those of the other assessed varieties.