Exploring traditional rice germplasm in Sri Lanka: Morphological diversity, stress adaptation, nutritional value, and future breeding potential
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25081/jsa.2026.v10.9981Keywords:
Sri Lankan traditional rice, Germplasm diversity, Stress adaptation, Nutritional value, Sustainable breeding, Climate resilienceAbstract
Sri Lankan traditional rice varieties represent a valuable genetic resource characterized by substantial diversity in morphological, agronomic, adaptive, and nutritional traits. This study synthesizes the key variations observed among traditional germplasm with emphasis on vegetative growth, yield performance, stress tolerance, and nutritional quality to highlight their potential for sustainable rice improvement. Considerable morphological variability is evident in vegetative traits such as plant height, tillering ability, leaf number, and biomass production. Tall and vigorous varieties such as Ma Wee and Hodarawala exhibit high vegetative growth, while varieties such as Kaluheenati and Kuruluthuda demonstrate moderate plant height with efficient tillering. Variation in grain morphology, including size, shape, and pericarp color, further reflects the broad phenotypic diversity present in traditional germplasm. Significant differences are also observed in yield characteristics and agronomic performance. Varieties such as Ma Wee and Sudu Heenati show superior panicle length, grain number, and grain filling under favorable conditions, indicating high yield potential. In contrast, Pachchaperumal and Kuruluthuda exhibit moderate but stable yields across seasons, highlighting their reliability under variable field conditions. Traditional rice varieties demonstrate strong environmental stress adaptability, making them suitable for low-input and climate-vulnerable environments. Kaluheenati, Pachchaperumal and Niyan Wee are well adapted to drought and nutrient-poor soils, while Ma Wee performs well under waterlogged or flood-prone conditions. In addition to agronomic advantages, traditional varieties provide important nutritional and health benefits. Pigmented rice types such as Kaluheenati, Pachchaperumal, and Madathawalu are rich in antioxidants, iron, and dietary fiber, while aromatic varieties like Suwandel are preferred for their superior grain quality and consumer acceptability. The wide variability observed in vegetative growth, yield traits, stress tolerance, and nutritional composition highlights the significant potential of Sri Lankan traditional rice for breeding programs, conservation efforts, and sustainable agriculture under changing climatic conditions.
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