Studies on direct and indirect effects at seedling stage stress conditions in early backcross population of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) stands as one of the most crucial staple crops worldwide providing sustenance for over half of the global population. This study evaluated a total of 155 BC1F3population were screened under sand culture at seedling stage and reproductive stage with tolerant check Dular as positive control and improved lalat as susceptible at Crop Improvement Division, ICAR-National Rice Research Institute-Cuttack, focusing on yield and grain yield related traits under nutrient stress conditions. Significant genetic variability was observed for traits such as SPAD, shoot length and root length. Strong direct effect of root length on root dry weight in both genotypic and phenotypic path analysis echoes findings that taller plants often allocate more resources to root growth.