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Investigating the Impact of Tillering on Yield and Yield-Related Traits in European Rice Cultivars

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  • Argyrios Kalaitzidis

    (Hellenic Agricultural Organization—“DEMETER”, Institute of Plant Breeding & Genetic Resources, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Kalliopi Kadoglidou

    (Hellenic Agricultural Organization—“DEMETER”, Institute of Plant Breeding & Genetic Resources, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Ioannis Mylonas

    (Hellenic Agricultural Organization—“DEMETER”, Institute of Plant Breeding & Genetic Resources, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Sopio Ghoghoberidze

    (Hellenic Agricultural Organization—“DEMETER”, Institute of Plant Breeding & Genetic Resources, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Elissavet Ninou

    (Department of Agriculture, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Dimitrios Katsantonis

    (Hellenic Agricultural Organization—“DEMETER”, Institute of Plant Breeding & Genetic Resources, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece)

Abstract

Optimizing rice productivity is crucial for global food security, especially in Mediterranean environments. This study investigated the influence of tillering capacity on yield and other agronomic traits in nine European rice cultivars over two seasons (2021–2022). A split-plot design was used with cultivars as the main factor and five tillering levels: main stems (Mn), primary (T1), secondary (T2), tertiary (T3), and quaternary (T4) as sub-factors. The grain yield, total dry matter, harvest index, 1000-grain weight, and number of stems were measured. Significant differences were revealed among cultivars, tillering levels, and their interaction for all traits. Mn and T1 consistently outyielded later tillers, with Ronaldo’s Mn achieving 4.71 t ha −1 . Mare and Olympiada displayed the highest average yields (1.52 t ha −1 ) through balanced resource allocation across tillers. Strong correlations between tillering levels and yield (R 2 = 0.73) demonstrate that early tillers significantly enhance productivity. We conclude that optimizing early tiller productivity—rather than maximizing tiller numbers—should be prioritized in breeding programs. Cultivars combining vigorous Mn and T1 development with efficient resource partitioning offer the most promising approach for improving Mediterranean rice productivity.

Suggested Citation

  • Argyrios Kalaitzidis & Kalliopi Kadoglidou & Ioannis Mylonas & Sopio Ghoghoberidze & Elissavet Ninou & Dimitrios Katsantonis, 2025. "Investigating the Impact of Tillering on Yield and Yield-Related Traits in European Rice Cultivars," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-27, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:6:p:616-:d:1611887
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sandhu, S.S. & Mahal, S.S. & Vashist, K.K. & G.S.Buttar, & Brar, A.S. & Singh, Maninder, 2012. "Crop and water productivity of bed transplanted rice as influenced by various levels of nitrogen and irrigation in northwest India," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 32-39.
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