The research was carried out to evaluate the best seed, physiological and yield parameters containing land races of rice to incorporate in the crossing programme for the advancement of yield. Seventy-five land races of rice were collected from different regions of Tiruvannamalai district. The important variable in phenotypic seed parameters viz., seed length, seed breadth, general colour, aleuronic layer colour, 1000 seed weight, surface of the grain were documented . The physiological trait like Leaf Area Index (LAI) and yield parameters viz., plant height (cm), no. of tillers per plant and duration were recorded. The distinct variation was observed in many land races based on scoring method. Out of seventy five rice land races, the maximum of 37 land races showed the straw yellow colour seed coat. The aleuronic Layer colour was white for 37 nos. of land races. Thirteen rice land races showed the high level of leaf area index and plant height. In case of yield parameters, 8 rice land races shown more than 20 no. of tillers per plant and 69 land races registered longer duration of more than 120 days. Hence, the phenotypic variations were higher in seed morphological, physiological and yield parameters due to its collection from different with varied genotypic nature. So, the phenotypically diversified land races can be utilised for developing high yielding varieties, climate resilient purpose and nutritive value.
