<![CDATA[This study aims to compare the morphological characteristics of local rice varieties (Oryza sativa L.) found in the Waigete and Magepanda Districts of Sikka Regency. The research was conducted from January to April 2026, employing a qualitative research method based on field observations, interviews, and documentation. The cultivars observed were Bramo rice in Waigete District and bramo rice in Magepanda District. The morphological characteristics observed include vegetative traits such as plant height, stem shape, stem color, stem diameter, number of tillers, leaf length, leaf width, leaf color, and leaf angle lodging resistance) and generative characters (flowering age, panicle shape, panicle length, number of grains, grain color, grain size, and harvesting age). Research findings indicate that Bramo rice in Magepanda District exhibited faster vegetative growth, resulting in plant heights reaching 152 cm, 6–7 tillers, and leaf length up to 74 cm. Meanwhile, the Bramo rice variety in Waigete District produces a higher number of grains per panicle approximately 130 compared to the standard Bramo variety, which yields only about 100 grains. The standard Bramo variety requires a 108-day growing period, whereas the Bramo 1 variety takes around 100 days. Both varieties possess the ability to recover their upright position effectively and adapt well to their local growing environments. The differences in morphological characteristics observed indicate the existence of local rice germplasm diversity that has the potential to be utilized for conservation efforts and the development of superior rice varieties in Sikka Regency.]]>
