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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2026)

Genetic studies on nutritional and functional properties of some selected popular rice varieties grown in Assam, India

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.14144
Submitted
17 February 2026
Published
31-05-2026 — Updated on 03-07-2026
Versions

Abstract

The present study aims to evaluate the nutritional and functional properties of 11 rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties cultivated in Assam, India. The study supports the identification of genotypes with enhanced nutritional traits may serve as potential candidate for biofortification to address micronutrient malnutrition.  Eleven rice varieties were selected and grown under identical conditions in a randomized block design (RBD) during the kharif season in the farmer’s field, Dhubri district, Assam in the year 2024. The biochemical and functional traits including moisture, protein, fat, ash, crude fibre, carbohydrate content, water absorption index and amylose content were analysed. Variability and heritability of these traits were calculated statistically using ANOVA. Correlation coefficients were done among these traits. Significant variations were observed in the biochemical traits, with protein content ranging from 5.78 % (Lalpan) to 9.77 % (Bahadur sub-1) and carbohydrate content from 70.40 % (Lalpeda) to 86.54 % (Natun aijong). Protein (74.97 %) and fat (75.00 %) showed high heritability, reflecting strong genetic influence. These findings provide a basis for further molecular studies or identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with desired traits. Substantial variations in nutritional traits highlight the potential of Assam rice germplasm for developing nutritionally improved cultivars.

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