Evaluation of Selected Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Genotypes for Ratooning Potential and Yield Stability Across Different Environments

Abstract

Ratoon rice production offers an opportunity to increase rice productivity by utilizing the regrowth of harvested plants, thereby reducing production costs and shortening the cropping cycle. This study evaluated the ratooning potential and yield stability of five rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes across two environments in Niger State, Nigeria. Field experiments were conducted during the wet season at Badeggi and Edozhigi using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The genotypes evaluated were FARO 44, FARO 67, MADU YANKPA, WALUYE, and YANDA GWASHE. Data were collected on phenological, growth, and yield-related traits for both the main and ratoon crops and analyzed using analysis of variance, while treatment means were separated using Fisher's Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at the 5% probability level. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) genotypic differences were observed for most of the measured traits, indicating substantial genetic variability among the evaluated genotypes. Grain yield was consistently lower in the ratoon crop than in the main crop; however, the genotypes differed significantly in their ability to sustain productivity after harvest. FARO 67 produced the highest grain yield in both the main crop (3,207.20 kg ha⁻¹) and ratoon crop (822.25 kg ha⁻¹) and exhibited the greatest yield stability across environments. MADU YANKPA was the earliest flowering genotype, indicating its suitability for short-duration production systems. The significant genotype × environment interaction for grain yield demonstrated differential genotype responses across locations. Overall, FARO 67 combined superior grain yield, ratooning ability, and yield stability, making it a promising genotype for cultivation and for use in breeding programmed aimed at improving ratoon rice productivity.