Performance of paddy varieties in salt affected soil

Abstract

In Cuddalore district, paddy is the major cereal crop. Some part of Vridhachalam, Parangipettai, Nallur and Mangalore blocks of Cuddalore district soils are affected by saline and sodic soil resulting in low productivity in paddy. In order to enhance the yield in saline and sodic, efforts were taken to identify suitable rice varieties. The present field-oriented research was done under the close supervision of soil scientist of Farm Science Centre through organizing On-Farm Trails (Assessment) at five different locations. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the performance of paddy varieties in salt affected soils of Cuddalore district. The blocks having desired EC, pH and ESP were taken for the assessment of rice varieties. Keeping the parameters mentioned earlier, Parangipettai and Vridhachalam block of Cuddalore district was opted for the study. Uniform cultural practices were applied to all the varieties up to maturity. Proper plant protection measures were taken according to the incidence of pest and diseases. The on-Farm Testing consist of three paddy variety viz., BPT 5204 (Farmer practice), TRY 3 and Gangavathi Sona-05-01 as test varieties were taken for assessment. The results showed that paddy variety TRY 3 recorded maximum yield, yield attributes and net return when compared to Gangavathi sona and farmer's practice. TRY 3 paddy variety registered highest yield of 6.37 t/ha followed by Gangavathi sona 05-01 (5.57 t/ha) and BPT 5204 (5.38 t/ha). TRY 3 recorded 18.40 per cent higher yield over farmer's practice and 14.36 per cent over Gangavathi sona. Net return was recorded maximum of in TRY 3 followed by Gangavathi sona 05-01 and BPT 5204. TRY 3 recorded 32.40 per cent higher net return over farmer's practice and 23.71 per cent over Gangavathi sona. The trial farmers expressed that, TRY 3 performed comparatively better than other two varieties in respect of major diseases like bacterial blight and blast. To conclude, TRY 3 variety can be recommended for salt affected soils based on the study result.