Induction of root nodules and genetic variability for paranodulation in rainfed upland rice

Paranodules are the nodule-like structures induced on roots of non-legumes. Genetic variability for 2,4-D induced paranodulation was investigated in a rainfed upland rice germplasm. Significant variation for 2,4-D induced paranodulation was traceable to genotype, 2,4-D and genotype x 2,4-D interaction effects. The mean number of paranodules per seedling varied significantly with the concentration of 2,4-D, In spite of moderate heritability for the trait (60%), due to the existence of a high level of genotypic coefficient of variation (135%), very high level of genetic advance as percentage over mean (215%) has been predicted, indicating good potential for selection of genotypes with higher paranodulation, from the rice germplasm screened.