The influence of leaf vein density on yield physiology of indica rice landraces from Eastern Ghats of India

Introspection of leaf gas exchange and vein density in different rice varieties is a crucial prerequisite for efficient photosynthesis and breeding programs aiming to boost photosynthesis. The objectives of the study were to explore the genetic variation for vein density, leaf gas exchange and yield traits in rice. The present study evaluated leaf gas exchange, vein density, panicle and yield traits in traditional rice landraces that were compared with high-yielding varieties as control. Significant varietal differences observed in photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration, photochemical efficiency of PSII, vein density and grain yield in evaluating genotypes. The study resulted that Dudhamani, Haldichudi, Kalajeera, Muktabali, Bastabhoga and Machhakanta recorded higher vein density and leaf P_N at par with the high-yielding IR64 variety. The leaf vein density was positively correlated with P_N (r = 0.717), gs (r = 0.716) and grain yield (r = 0.282). The selected rice genotypes for improved high leaf vein density and stomatal conductance for enhanced photosynthesis that will increase the grain yield per plant.