Rice characterization dataset
Several initiatives were undertaken at the genebank of the Rice Biodiversity Center for Africa to enhance the use of indigenous rice germplasm. This includes the phenotyping of a large set of over 8,000 accessions encompassing around 51 traits (phenotypic descriptors traits, phenology, grain and chemical quality traits, biotic and abiotic stress resistance) in unreplicated field experiments.
This characterization data will provide valuable phenotypic information that will help genebank users, notably breeders, geneticists, to select and require the most adequate accessions for their breeding and research programs. The phenotypic traits evaluated will help refining the clustering of African rice and African sativa landraces and the assessment of the phenotypic structure of these material, in link with eco-geographical information.
Rice Biodiversity Center for Africa (RBCA)
Research Station based in Mbe, about 750 acres for Upland and Lowland ecology.
Number of days from effective seeding until 80% of the plants are heading
Maturity is the date on which 80% of the grains on the panicles are fully ripened.
Measure the highest leaf below the flag leaf (penultimate leaf) on the main culm from the ligule to the tip of the blade on five representative plants. Calculate average to nearest centimeter.
Measure at the widest portion of the penultimate leaf (i.e. highest leaf below the flag leaf) on the main culm on five representative plants. Calculate average to nearest cm. Oryza sativa leaf can be coded as narrow (< 1 cm), internediate (1-2 cm) or broad (>2 cm).
Measured near the collar. Angle of attachment between the flag leaf blade and the main panicle axis. Record the average of five samples.
Measured from ground level to the base of the panicle. Record the average of five actual measurements, to the nearest cm.
The presence and distribution of awns along the panicle. Stage: flowering to maturity.
Length of main axis of panicle measured from the panicle base to the tip. Record the average of five representative plants. Stage: 7 days after anthesis or upon full panicle exsertion.
Stage: near maturity
The compactness of the panicle, classified according to its mode of branching, angle of primary branches, and spikelet density.
Culm Angle - rice direct-seeded in rows.
Awn color
Basal leaf sheath color at vegetative
Culm diameter of basal internode at reproductive in millimeter
Count tillers with panicles and those without panicles on 5 samples
Count only the tillers with panicles on 5 samples.
Ligule length in millimeter
Ligule shape
Panicle exsertion at reproductive
Panicle shattering
Proportion of plants that have lodged by maturity
Record the average length of five spikelets. For spikelets with symmetrical sterile lemmas (i.e. sterile length the same on both sides), record the length here. For spikelets with asymmetrical sterile lemmas (i.e. sterile lemma on one side longer than that on the other), record here only the length of the shorter sterile lemma (see below for the longer sterile lemma).
Thousand kernel weight of brown rice, based on a count of 100 or more.
Determined using the colorimetric determination method (AAC Method 61-03.01).
Peak viscosity in centipoise (cP) was determined by Rapid Visco-Analysis
Peak Viscosity minus Trough Viscosity
Final Viscosity minus Peak Viscosity
Pasting temperature derived from the Rapid Visco-analysis
Peak viscosity in centipoise (cP) was determined by Rapid Visco-Analysis
Protein content at dry moisture basis or zero moisture) [%]
Head rice ratio determined as the proportion of whole grain in a 100 g sample
Length to width ratio determined by S21 statistical rice analyzer
Chalkiness determined by S21 statistical rice analyzer
Lightness determined by Colorimetry
List of accessions included in the dataset