Similarity Analysis of Aromatic Local Rice Variety from Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, Based on Morphological Characteristics and Pest-Disease Resistance

Abstract Aromatic rice is a type of rice known for its distinctive fragrance. There are various aromatic rice varieties, some of which have been officially released as national new varieties such as Mentik Wangi, Pandanwangi, Gilirang and Sintanur. Kulon Progo District has successfully released and registered several local rice varieties characterized by their fragrant aroma. The aim of the study was to determine the morphological characters and pest-disease resistance similarity kinship in comparison to other varieties. The study was conducted from 2019 to 2021 in Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta. The material consisted of the Menor, Menor A1 and Pangestu rice varieties, with Sintanur as comparison variety. The material was ground in a 2 m x 5 m plot size with 6 replications. Observations were conducted on 30 characters, including qualitative and quantitative characters based on UPOV descriptors. The data were analysed using principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Principal component analysis revealed 2 main components with 89.42% of cumulative variation, which can be used to determine genetic relationships by cluster analysis. Based on principal component and cluster analysis, by using PCA and cluster analysis, three distinct clusters were found among the aromatic local rice varieties from Kulon Progo. Plant height, the number of productive tillers, 1000-grain weight, resistance to BLB, and days to maturity are some of the dominant characteristics that set apart Menor A1, a distinct cluster. According to the result, Menor A1 has a strong potential of becoming the next genetic resource used in future breeding programs.