Possibility of planting rice in semi-cold environment, (Case study, Saman, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Iran)

Abstract In order to determine the best cold tolerant line of rice, Eight rice genotypes were compared in a randomized complete blocks design with three replicates in Saman town (one of the semi-cold places of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province) during 2012-2013. Results of combined analysis of variance showed significant differences among the genotypes for studied traits including; the number of days to the phenological stages (emerging 50% of panicles and 80% of maturity), plant height, the number of fertile and non-fertile tillers per plant, the number of fertile and non-fertile grains per panicle, weight of one thousand seeds and grain yield.  Genotype code 14 (Stevela) with the highest number of fertile tillers per plant and the lowest number of no fertile grains per panicle produced the highest grain yield (6.640 t/ha) and was ranked higher than other genotypes. Three other genotypes (codes 1, 3 and 7) with an average yield of tons per hectare were in a class lower than code 14 but higher than control genotypes. Two control genotypes were Koohrang and local Champa, had an average yield of 4.625 t/ha. Keywords: rice, genotype, yield, cold tolerance