Hybrid sterility and role of wide compatibility variety in different genetic backgrounds of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under temperate conditions of Kashmir

Fifteen inter-subspecific and 15 three-way crosses of rice generated through different mating patterns utilizing five indica and three japonica varieties and one WCV genotypes were evaluated for pollen and spikelet sterilities under two agro-ecologies of Kashmir. Wide spectrum variability was observed for both pollen and spikelet sterilities. Significant and noticeable reduction was recorded with respect to same traits using WCV (Dular). Besides, differential degrees of expression of the said phenonmenon were observed in different genetic backgrounds.