Wild rice genotypes are known for their hardiness but the reasons behind this trait are poorly understood. The interaction between leaf surface and the atmosphere, e.g. radiation use efficiency, precipitation interception, energy conversion, momentum and gas exchange is substantially determined by the leaf surface where on stomata
exist. Diffusion of CO2
into the mesophyll of leaves is mainly driven by the stomatal aperture, which is controlled by a complex system of plant physiological processes. Previous studies on the Physiology of stomata suggest that stomata influence the rate of CO2
fixation. The role of stomatal function has not been fully recognised, that
stomatal aperture is determined by the capacity of the mesophyll tissue to fix carbon. The wild genotypes are known for their lesser anabolic and catabolic rates, hence,
the objective is to find out the relationship among the stomatal number, stomatal conductance, respiration and photosynthesis. In an attempt, six wild rice genotypes
(Oryza bartii, O. brachyantha, O. eichengeri, O. longistaminata, O. nivara and O. rufipogan) were phenotyped for some of the important physiological attributes which
could be critical for developing “climate resilient rice genotypes” for various situations has been initiated under NICRA program at DRR, Hyderabad. The suitability of
the some of these parameters and their utilization in developing the climate resilient rice is being explored.