Evaluation of fertility and major agronomic traits in offspring derived from cross between new rice for Africa (NERICA) and Indica rice (Oryza sativa L.)

【Objective】The present research was conducted to evaluate the fertility and important agronomic traits in the offspring derived from cross between new rice for Africa (NERICA) and Indica rice (Oryza sativa L.), in order to provide theoretical references and materials for NERICA utilization in rice breeding. 【Method】NERICA cultivar Z3 was crossed with Indica rice cultivar Longtepu B to produce F1population and selfing F2generation. The fertility and important agronomic traits of each generation were evaluated at the maturing stage of rice. 【Result】The seed setting rate of F1generation was 70%, and the seed setting rate of F2population ranged from 24% to 80%. Variation was found in F2generation for all traits,and individual plant with excellent agronomic comprehensive traits could be screened out from F2population. Grain yield per plant exhibited extremely significantly positive correlation with filled grains per plant, panicles per plant, seed setting rate and panicle length, as well as significant positive correlation with plant height. 【Conclusion】There was no self-sterility in filial generations between NERICA and Indica rice. It is feasible to directly apply NERICA in rice breeding.