2019, Vol. 7, Issue 4, Part A

author(s)
Meera Indracanti and Sefinew Tilahun

abstract
Intra-cultivar interaction of basmati (cv. Kasturi) and non-basmati (cv. Pantdhan 11) mixed cultures of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in presence of aqueous extracts of testa of cashew-nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) under NaCl salinity during seedling stage was studied in laboratory conditions. Basmati and non-basmati seeds as mono or mixed cultures were sown at 0, 0.5, 1.0% (w/v) NaCl concentrations along with 2.5 and 5% aqueous testa extracts (TE=1.5gm/100mL) at 29±2^oC under dark for 10 days. Results showed that, significant competitive interaction in mixed-culture of rice cultivars under salinity stress in presence of aqueous testa extracts. In 0.5% salinity+TE treatments of basmati/non-basmati mixed cultures, AS (speed of accumulated germination) data indicates sensitivity to germination in basmati and stimulation in non-basmati cultivars. SVI (seedling vigour index) values showed mixed culture had positive impact on basmati and negative impact on non-basmati during early days of seedling emergence. RCI (relative competitive intensity) values for root length, seedling height under 1.0% (w/v) salinity+5% TE treatment showed competitive facilitation in basmati and competitive inhibition in non-basmati and competitive facilitation for seedling dry weight in both the cultivars. CR (competitive ratio) values suggest under 0.5% (w/v) NaCl+2.5% TE and 1.0% (w/v) NaCl+5% TE treatments basmati was better competitor for root length, seedling height and dry weight than non-basmati cultivar. The relative interaction index (RII) showed competitive interaction for accumulating both shoot and root biomass. Root and shoot biomass increased under 0.5% (w/v) NaCl+TE and 0.5% NaCl + 5% TE respectively in basmati and decreased in non-basmati. Shoot biomass increased in 1.0% (w/v) Na Cl + 5%TE in both the cultivars. Presence of allele chemical (TE), competitive ability of basmati (cv. Kasturi) increased under Na Cl salinity stress.