The present study profiled six selections from the original mixed population of Bingawan Black rice and three selections from Vizcaya Black rice variety. Characterization included selected qualitative traits at both vegetative and reproductive stages, agronomic parameters consisting of growth and yield components, and physical grain attributes following the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) standard descriptors for rice. The study was conducted for one season covering February to July 2021 at the Research, Extension, and Training Division of the Nueva Vizcaya State University, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.

Of the six selections from Bingawan Black rice variety, five appeared distinct based on specific morphological traits observed at vegetative and reproductive stages. At vegetative stage Black Violet and Red Bold were differentiated from the four black selections by basal leaf sheath color, leaf anthocyanin coloration of auricles, and leaf color of ligules Black Small and Black Long appeared distinct from the others by flag leaf attitude and culm angle. At reproductive stage, Black Violet and Red Bold differed in anthocyanin coloration in both lemma apex and nodes. Black Violet, Red Bold, and Black Small were further distinguished from the others by stigma color. In addition, flag leaf attitude differentiated Black Small and Black Long from the rest of the selections. Likewise, Red Small differed with the two selections of Vizcaya Black rice in terms of basal leaf sheath color and leaf color of ligule. Black Long appeared distinct from Red Small and Black Intermediate in terms of culm angle.

Growth parameters also differentiated specific selections in both cultivars. Recorded heights and days to heading indicate that selections from both black rice cultivars were semi-dwarf and early maturing. Values for yield components in both Bingawan Black and Vizcaya Black rice selections were relatively close to one another with no evident distinctions among selections. Physical grain attributes further differentiated the selections in grain color, length, and shape.

Results of characterization of selections provide conclusive evidences of identification of distinct pure lines from the two black rice cultivars with further purification of these materials by growing them from pure seed lots, there will be potential new pigmented rice cultivars from the two original mixed populations.

Thesis (Master of Science in Crop Science - Agronomy)

Includes appendices and bibliographical references.