Overcoming persistent challenges such as low yield per hectare, pest pressure, and climate stress has remained a priority in rice breeding programs in Nigeria. This study evaluated four new hybrid rice lines (VSLRH-1, VSLRH-2, VSLRH-3, and VSLRH-4) alongside two improved inbred checks (FARO 44 and FARO 66) for their physical and processing qualities at 12.0±0.2% moisture content to inform postharvest handling and varietal recommendation. All hybrids were categorized as long grains based on length-width ratio (≥3.4). VSLRH-3 had the longest paddy length (9.84 mm), highest brown rice yield (86.80%), and lowest hull content (13.20%), outperforming FARO 66 and closely matching FARO 44 in grain dimensions and weight. It also recorded a high 1000-paddy weight (22.13 g) and 1000-brown rice weight (17.03 g), similar to FARO 44 (24.42 g and 18.43 g, respectively). VSLRH-1 also performed well, with long grain length (9.56 mm), high brown rice shape (3.36), and moderate hull percentage (17.49%). Geometric properties such as arithmetic (4.66 mm) and square diameter (22.89 mm) in VSLRH-1 and VSLRH-3 were comparable to the checks. Sphericity, aspect ratio, and surface area-volume ratio also indicated that these hybrids are suitable for efficient parboiling, drying, and mechanical processing. Overall, VSLRH-3 and VSLRH-1 emerged as top-performing hybrids, combining desirable physical traits with processing-friendly features. These findings provide critical information for breeders, millers, and equipment designers, supporting the advancement of these lines for varietal release and widespread adoption in Nigeria's rice value chain.
Nahemiah et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
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