Correlation and cluster analysis on the quality characters of new middle-ripe japonica rice varieties in Jiangsu Province.

[Objective] This study aimed to analyze the quality characteristics of the new middle-ripe japonica rice varieties in Jiangsu Province. [Method] Fourteen new rice varieties included in the Middle-ripe Japonica Rice Regional Test in 2011 were selected as the materials. Correlation analysis and cluster analysis were carried out on their quality traits. [Result] The rice cultivars possessed stable characteristics, which were difficult to be further improved. In addition, their quality traits had extremely complicated relationships, and the differences were significant between different groups. [Conclusion] This study will provide reference for improving the quality traits of japonica rice.