Evaluation of rice breeding lines for combined effect of African rice gall midge and iron toxicity in Nigeria

Thirteen fixed lines from the cross of FARO 12 and 44 were evaluated at Edozhigi and Gara villages, located in central Nigeria. The trial was conducted to select promising lines to be used for African rice gall midge (AfRGM) and iron toxicity endemic areas. The experiment was randomized complete block design replicated three times. The result showed significant differences in grain yield at Gara but not at Edozhigi. Percentage tiller damage for AfRGM was high in both locations. Iron toxicity score was also moderate for the two locations, however higher scores were obtained at Edozhigi. FAROX 510-B-115-2-2 was better for iron Gara while FAROX510-B-1-1 and FAROX510-B-5-5-4-1-2 were better at Edozhigi. Lines with grain yield above 2tons/ha can be recommended for AfRGM/iron toxicity endemic rice growing ecologies of Nigeria.