Comparison of the Yield and Yield Components of Direct Seeded Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Along with Fish Culture in Astara, Iran

To compare the yield and yield components of direct seeded rice cultivars along with fish culture, a field experiments was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications and ten treatments in Astara during 2012 growing season. Analysis of variance of the data collected showed that there were significant differences among the traits of rice cultivars at %5 probability for panicle length and at %1 probability level for plant height, seed diameter, panicle weight, 1000 kernel weight, No. of kernel per panicle, straw weight and paddy yield. Mean comparisons showed that Gohar among the cultivars under study due to its high yield potential with average 6378 kg/ha was the most suitable cultivar under direct seeded rice along with fish culture. Producing 1100.82 kg/ha of fish in rice fields not only increases farmers income it also reduces production costs. These results, consequently, justify the possible extension of rice-fish production as a sustainable agricultural system in rice growing regions of Astara and similar areas of Iranian Caspian coasts.