Abstract
Crop species and varieties differ genetically in response to root medium K. We evaluated growth response of rice
genotypes to K applied at adequate and deficient levels (3 mM & 0.3 mM K, resp.) in hydroponics. The genotypes
differed significantly (p<0.001) in their shoot and root growth, root: shoot ratio, K concentration in shoot, K uptake
and K use efficiency. Shoot dry matter yield, root dry matter yields and total biomass production correlated
significantly (p<0.001) with their total K uptake and K utilization rate. The various rice genotypes differed
significantly for their relative tolerance to K-deficiency stress.
Keywords: Potassium, rice, genotypic variability, utilization efficiency