The Impact of Transplanting Date on the Development and Productivity of Boro Rice Varieties and Mutants in Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Abstract

The present study highlights the impact of transplanting dates on the development and productivity of Boro rice varieties and mutants in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Boro rice, a critical crop in Bangladesh, plays a vital role in ensuring food security and supporting the livelihoods of millions. The most crucial alternative for adjusting a certain crop growth stage with particular climatic conditions which have a significant influence on the growth, development, and partitioning of dry matter is to change the date of sowing, transplanting or planting. A field experiment was conducted at BINA, HQ farm Mymensingh during the Boro season2022-2023 and 2023-24 to determine the optimum transplanting date (December 30, January 15, January 30 & February 15 of 2022-23 and December 30, January 20 of 2023-24) for Boro rice mutants/variety namely MEF 10, MEF 27, RM-16(N)-8-1, RM-16(N)-10-1, RNDR-09-8-1, BNCR-14, BNCR-23, Binadhan-14 and BINA dhan25. The objective of the study was to find out the optimum transplanting date for maximizing the yield of Boro rice mutants/varieties. During 2022-23, the higher grain yield was found at 6.0 t ha-1on 30 December among the transplanting dates. The grain yield had a significant difference among the transplanting dates, and tillering capacity and the number of filled grains was higher on 30 December for the mutant line RM-16(N)-10-1 (V4) showing statistically higher grain yield (6.0 t ha-1) followed by MEF 27 (5.9 tha-1). The grain yield had significant differences among the transplanting dates, tillering capacity and number of filled grains were higher among the different mutants/varieties.  The mutant line RM-16(N)-10-1 showed a statistically higher grain yield (5.53 tha-1) followed by RNDR-09-8-1 (5.44 tha-1). Interaction between transplanting date and mutants/varieties mutant line RM-16(N)-10-1 showed the highest grain yield 5.80 t ha-1 when transplanted on January 20 followed by RNDR-09-8-1 when transplanted on January 20 (5.76 tha-1).  Understanding the specific responses of different mutants and varieties to transplanting dates can help tailor recommendations for local farmers, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and ensuring food security. The study highlights the significant benefits of adhering to recommended transplanting windows, providing a framework for future research and practical applications in local farming systems.