Effect of different soil moisture levels at reproductive stage on rice grain quality

Abstract

Rice grain quality indicators are important in varietal development and subsequent adoption by farmers and consumers. Two experiments were carried out during dry season 2013 in an open field and wet season 2014 in a screen house to assess the effect of four levels of soil moisture content on rice grain quality indicators (Head Rice Ratio, Amylose content, Protein content and Gel consistency) at reproductive stage. Five improved rice varieties (NERICA1, NERICA 4, NERICA 7, ARICA 4 and ARICA 5) were used. Significant changes (P< 0.05) in grain quality traits due to changes in soil moisture content were found. Head rice ratio, grain amylose content and gel consistency decreased with increasing drought intensity. The lowest values of head rice ratio 42 to 44% were recorded with ARICA varieties under severe water deficit condition. The mean reduction ingrain amylose content was 36% for NERICAs and 31% for ARICAs. Higher reduction ingel consistency was found with NERICA varieties (11%) thanARICA varieties (9%). Protein content for each variety increased when drought intensity increased. The highest value (11.65%) was observed with NERICA 7 under severe water deficit conditions.These results show that soil water deficit has significant implications on rice grain quality.