Identification and utilization of physiological characteristics imparting chilling-resistance in rice at seedling stage

【Objective】The present study was conducted to evaluate the rice germplasm resources in order to identify physiological characteristics imparting chilling resistance at seedling stage. 【Method】Five rice varieties have been treated with low temperature (5±1)℃ and evaluated on the basis of MDA (Malondealdehyde), soluble sugars, chlorophyll content and the activity of catalase enzyme. 【Result】The rice variety Suodao 1 and Nanyangzhan showed maximum survival percentage compared to other varieties followed by the variety Gui 368 and R96-82. Variety Aiyelu was found least tolerant to chilling stress. The varieties Suodao 1 and Nanyangzhan were found superior to other rice varieties in having higher chlorophy ll content, soluble sugar content and the activity of catalase enzyme, and lesser MDA content. 【Conclusion】The results clearly indicated that varieties Suodao 1 and Nanyangzhan were resistant to chilling stress and may be utilized in breeding programs developed to make cold tolerant varieties.