A High Yielding, Extra-Long Grain and Possessing Relatively Better Salt Tolerant Potential with Excellent Cooking Quality

Abstract

Rice, a staple for over 50% of the world's population, it is a major for Pakistan's agriculture and economy’s. Rice is the second most important food grain after wheat in Pakistan and is the second highest revenue-generating crop after cotton, earning about $4 billion in foreign revenue. Punjab leads in rice production, contributing 64% of the crop area and 51% of production. Historically, Super Basmati replaced Basmati 385 for its superior grain quality and yield. Later, PK 1121 became popular for its high yield and long grain. However, soil salinization, especially in Punjab's 1.537 million ha of salt-affected land, restricts rice growth and yield. The Salinity Research Institute in Pindi Bhattian developed “SRI 28” to overcome this issue. This variety offers higher paddy yield, longer kernel length (>10.01 mm), and better salt tolerance. The stiff stem of “SRI-28” makes it suitable for lodging resistance and mechanical harvesting. Its performance being observed in salt-affected soils makes it suitable for saline Agriculture.  Its features, like broad erect leaves, stiff stems, and stay-green traits, enhance photosynthesis, boosting yield and suitability for parboiled and steamed rice. The “SRI-28,” developed using conventional and back cross-hybridization methods, crosses “KS 282” and “Basmati 385.” Initiated in 2005 at SSRI, Pindi Bhatian, the process included backcrossing for genome recovery and pedigree selection up to BC2F8. It was evaluated from 2016 to 2019 in yield and adaptability trials.