KSK111H: FIRST EVER BASMATI RICE HYBRID, A FINE GRAIN HIGH YIELDING, EARLY MATURING AROMATIC RICE (ORYZA SATIVA) HYBRID IN PAKISTAN FOR TOMORROW’S FOOD SECURITY

Abstract

Hybrid rice is the marketable crop acquired by growing F1 seeds of a cross between heritably divergent parents. Best hybrids
combinations show the 15-20% more potential than traditional varieties sown under parallel circumstances. Rice demand has
recently been amplified in state due to rising and falling cereal prices and global food security concerns. To manage with these
matters there is an opportunity to practice heterosis for hybrid development in rice. KSK111H was first ever approved basmati rice
hybrid from Punjab in Pakistan’s rice history. It is a high yielding aromatic rice hybrid with tolerance to moderate salinity levels
in soil. It is developed by scientists of Rice Research Institute, Kala Shah Kaku through germplasm i.e., KSK1301A and KSK1301R
lines through hybridization. KSK111H was fine grain rice hybrid which has good cooking quality with mild aroma and expected
to fetches good market price in future. The paddy yield of KSK111H is 51% higher as compare to indigenous Super Basmati. Main
features are: an early maturing (almost 3 weeks prior than Super Basmati), tolerant to salinity upto EC 5, same basmati aroma like
other basmati varieties, good yield (sown in mid-June to mid-July), outstanding yield potential (11.5 t/ha) and average yield (7.2
t/ha). It is developed to break the yield barriers of basmati rice grown by the local farmers of southern Punjab especially.