Inheritance of grain quality in indica-tropical japonica rice hybrids

Eight indica and japonica were crossed with two indica (IR-36 and IR-50) and two tropical japonica (J-7 and Akihikari) testers each. Out of 32 possible cross combinations made, only 28 were successful while four combinations failed because of hybrid mortality. Five hybrids were selected on the basis of better heterotic performance for quality analysis. Fifty individual F2 seeds analyzed for protein content, L/B ratio, amylose content and gelatinization temperature. The hybrid IR-64446/IR-50 showed long slender grains, while IR- 64446/IR-36, 9314/IR-36 and NPL-9/IR-50 possessed long and medium slender grain. Four hybrids and intermediate amylase content (20 to 25%) except J-7/Dular, which recorded, slightly less amylose content. The mean values for protein content and gelatinization temperature of the hybrids were within the parental limits.