The effect of drought stress on root morphology of several red rice genotypes (Oryza sativa L.) in the vegetative phase

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effect of drought stress on root morphology, namely root length, root volume, and dry root weight of red rice on the vegetative phase. This research began in July-October 2018 in the Greenhouse area of ​​the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan. This study used a randomized block design (RBD) with 2 treatment factors, namely, genotype consisting of 5 red rice genotypes (Inpago 7 variety, B11908D-MR-2-2-4 strain, B11423G-MR-17 strain, B11186G-MR-3-1-18-1 strain, and G15175C-TB-13 strain) and watering frequency consisting of 4 levels of treatment (every day, once every 5 days, once every 10 days and 15 days) with 5 replications. The results showed that the genotypes of red rice showed significant differences in root length, root volume, and dry weight of root. B1186G-MR-3-1-18-1 strain has the highest average root length (42.29 cm), root volume (29.63 ml), and dry weight of root  (6.46 g) compared to other strains. Watering frequency of every 15 days shows the highest root length average (42.51 cm), watering frequency of every 5 days shows the highest root height average (24.60 ml), dry weight of root (5.21 g), and interaction between the genotypes of red rice and the frequency of watering does not show a significant effect.