Vol. 9, Special Issue 11, Part C (2025)

The present study, titled “Genetic evaluation of irrigated mid-early genotypes for yield attributing characters and blast resistance in rice (Oryza sativa L.)”, was conducted during Kharif 2024 using 17 rice genotypes in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications at the Instructional cum Research Farm, S.G. College of Agriculture, Jagdalpur. The objectives included evaluating yield traits, quality parameters and blast resistance. Highly significant differences were observed for all 26 traits, indicating substantial genetic variability. US 314 recorded the highest yield (57.60 q/ha). High heritability with high genetic advance was recorded for filled grains per panicle, biological yield and gel consistency, indicating additive gene action. Grain yield showed strong positive correlations with biological yield, harvest index, days to maturity, panicle traits and spikelet fertility. Path analysis identified biological yield, harvest index and filled grains as major contributors to grain yield. Soft gel consistency and intermediate ASV suggested good cooking quality in most genotypes. Leaf blast resistance was observed in three genotypes under both nursery and field conditions, while neck blast resistance was limited, highlighting the need for incorporating stronger resistance sources in future rice breeding programs.