Comparative Study of Growth and Yield of NERICA and PNR Rice Lines in Rainfed Ecosystem in the Eastern Interland of Kinshasa, DR Congo

Abstract

The developing countries are rife with blatant pauperization. The agricultural sector, provider of food and a strong economy, has been in the hands of artisanal farmers for several decades. As a result, the yield is low to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population. Thus, in order to help support food security in tropical countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a study was conducted on the comparison of growth and yield of 15 lines / varieties of rice under natural conditions. On the Bateke plateau (Kinshasa, DRC) during season B, from January to June 2004. The number of tillers per plant, the number of tassels per plant, the height and flowering at 50% plant, the weight of a thousand kernels as well as the yield in kg / ha were used as observation variables to evaluate the performance of the plant. Each variety under study for 4 months following a randomized full block device with 3 replicates.From our observations, it emerges that although season B was less productive than season A, a few lines / varieties of rice have shown very distinct performances. Indeed, the varieties NERICA 7, P8.20.B3. 2.1. C1, PNR 1, NERICA 5 showed good height growth while NERICA 7, P10. 100. B1. N1B1, P10. 77. B2. N2. B3, P10. 51. B1. N1. gave a high dry grain yield.Therefore, given their high yield in dry grains, these lines / varieties would be a better substitute for the varieties already in circulation (PNR 1, IRAT 112, and IRAT 341) to increase the country's rice production and thus overcome the problem of low yield experienced by the DRCongo.