Table 2.
Major morphological and phenological differences between traditional drought-tolerant donors and modern high-yielding varieties
| Traits | Donors | Recipients |
|---|---|---|
| Lines | Landraces, improved tolerant varieties | High-yielding varieties |
| Yield potential | Low-medium (1.5–4.0 t ha–1) | Medium-high (>4 t ha–1) |
| Yield under drought | Low-medium (1.5–3.5 t ha–1) | Low (0–1.5 t ha–1) |
| Duration | Early-medium (DTF=60–85 d) | Medium-late (DTF=85–100 d) |
| Plant height | Semi-dwarf-tall | Dwarf |
| Tillering | Low-medium | High |
| Panicle length | Short-medium | Long |
| Root system | Shallow-deep rooted | Shallow rooted |
| Grain quality | Poor (landraces), good (improved donors) | Good (preferred) |
| Examples | N22, Moroberekan, Aus 276, Kali Aus | Swarna, IR64, TDK1, Sabitri |