Genetic variability and yield performance evaluation of upland rice cultivars under agro-ecological conditions of Morogoro region, Tanzania

Authors

  • Patrick Cleophace Mpombeye Department of Pest Management and Technology Development, Pest Management Centre, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O.Box 3110-67215, Morogoro Tanzania.
  • Andrea Malima Kigeso School of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Bondo, Kenya
  • Mayunga Sylvester Ezekiel Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
  • Susan Nchimbi Msolla Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62773/jcocs.v6i3.336

Keywords:

genetic variability, grain yield, phenotypic traints, rice production, upalnd rice

Abstract

This study evaluated genetic variability and yield performance of six upland rice cultivars (NERICA 01, 02, 04, 07, SARO 5, and WAB) under Morogoro’s agro-ecological conditions in Tanzania. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used on plots measuring 2 m². Data collected included plant height, tiller number, panicle length, grain yield, and days to 50% flowering. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed using GENSTAT software, and means were compared with Tukey-Kramer tests. NERICA 7 showed the highest grain yield (2.4 kg/2 m²) and tallest plants, while SARO 5 had the greatest tiller number but failed to flower. Early flowering NERICA 02 suits short rainfall areas but has a moderate yield. Grain yield positively correlated with panicle length and tillering capacity, key traits for breeding. The findings guide the selection of well-adapted upland rice genotypes to improve productivity and food security in Tanzanian rainfed systems. 

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Published

2025-09-30

How to Cite

Mpombeye, P. C., Kigeso, A. M. ., Ezekiel, M. S. ., & Msolla, S. N. . (2025). Genetic variability and yield performance evaluation of upland rice cultivars under agro-ecological conditions of Morogoro region, Tanzania. Journal of Current Opinion in Crop Science, 6(3), 207–212. https://doi.org/10.62773/jcocs.v6i3.336

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 3 (2025): JCOCS

Section

Short Communication

License

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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