Adaptability of selected traditional upland rice genotypes to commercial organic fertilizers under lowland conditions

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of applying commercial organic fertilizers (Durabloom, chicken dung, and vermicast) on the growth and yield of some traditional upland rice genotypes (Baysilanon, Dinorado, Kalinayan), identify traditional upland rice genotypes that yield better when applied with commercial organic fertilizer, and assess the economic benefits that can be derived from applying commercial organic fertilizers under lowland conditions at the experimental area of the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Visayas State University, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines. Commercial organic fertilizers had significant effects on the agronomic characteristics of selected traditional upland rice genotypes. The application of chicken dung significantly increased the number of leaves per hill of the varieties tested. Significant effects were noted on yield and yield components when applied with commercial organic fertilizers. Durabloom significantly increased the number of productive tillers and total number of tillers per hill. Variety Baysilanon gave the least panicle weight while Kalinayan showed significant positive response to organic fertilizers Durabloom and vermicast by producing heavier panicles. The application of Durabloom and vermicast increased the number of grains per panicle of the varieties tested. Among the traditional upland rice genotypes, variety Dinorado and Kalinayan yields better than variety Baysilanon when applied with commercial organic fertilizers. Among commercial organic fertilizer treatments Durabloom significantly increased the grain yields of varieties tested. Cost and return analysis showed no significant differences on net income, return on investment, and break-even yield of the traditional upland rice genotypes tested and on economic benefits derived from the use of commercial organic fertilizers. However, variety Kalinayan applied with Durabloom generates the highest net income. Among commercial organic fertilizer treatments applied, Durabloom resulted in the highest net income.