The adaptability of six seasonal rice varieties at the growth stage in artificial drought conditions

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the biochemical adaptability of six rice varieties under drought stress during the growth stage. Experiment units were arranged according to the two-factor randomized complete block design: the first factor was six rice varieties (Nang Quot, Nang Cha Ran, Huyet Rong, Bong Huong, Trang Tep, and Mot Bui Do), and the other was irrigation conditions (irrigated, drought stress); the study was carried out with three replications. The Nang Keo Chum was used as the drought-sensitive control. The results showed a high accumulation of chlorophyll, total sugar, and proline in leaves of the six rice varieties to adapt well to the drought conditions. “Chlorophyll a” content decreased by 1.36 times, “chlorophyll b” content increased by 1.79 times, total chlorophyll content increased by 1.36 times, total sugar content increased by 1.70 times, and proline content increased by 4.4 times. In particular, the two varieties Mot Bui Do and Nang Quot had the highest total sugar and proline accumulation. Total sugar and proline showed a positive correlation coefficient, and proline was the key factor to determine the a drought tolerance.