Phenotypic diversity of panicle and nutritional traits of some widely cultivated indigenous deep-water rice ( Oryza sativa L.) cultivars of Dhemaji district, Assam (India)

Deep-water rice shows some morphological and nutritional peculiarities. To evaluate the phenotypic diversity in panicle and nutritional traits, ten widely cultivated indigenous deepwater rice cultivars (viz. Panikakuwa , Kakuwa , Miabao , Dalbao , Maguribao , Negheribao , Panidhan , Bhubao , Amana and Happybao ) collected from different paddy growing fields of Dhemaji district, Assam, have been taken into study. Kernel colour of the cultivars varies from white to dark-purple. Six cultivars have been identified as high protein cultivars (>10%). Amylose content of the selected cultivars ranges from 18.73% to 34.51%. Dalbao has shown the highest total carbohydrate (88.4%), starch (83.25%) and protein (13.37%) content along with highest length of the panicle (33.6 cm), whereas cultivar Bhubao shows highest amylose content (34.51). Dalbao has also been found to possess several characters of rice with ideal panicle type. Protein content shows negative correlation with amylose content (–0.5011). Dalbao , having superior nutritional quality and panicle traits may be considered for inclusion in deep-water rice breeding programmes.