Genetic effect on uptake of selected nutrients in some rice (O. sativa L.) varieties in phosphorus deficient soils

The influence of genes on the uptake by rice plants of certain macro- and micronutrients (calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese and zinc) was studied, by diallel (7 × 7) analysis, in P deficient upland soil. Both additive and dominant gene effects, with a preponderance of the former, were found to be responsible for the uptake of all the elements studied. Local varieties were found to be not only good yielders but also much more efficient in element uptake. Heterotic effects were observed in various crosses with respect to the uptake of all the aforementioned nutrients. Statistical analysis indicated that while the uptake of iron and zinc were negatively correlated, the uptake of manganese and calcium, manganese and zinc, calcium and magnesium and calcium and zinc were positively correlated.