Fifty rice genotypes of different eco-geographical origin were evaluated during the wet season 1999-2000 for assessing the characters of main crop which can contribute to a better ratoon yield. Results revealed that ratoon yield could be improved by long duration rice varieties producing more number of grains panicle-1, more number of unproductive tillers plant^-1 and reduced grain production day^-1. Among the genotypes, five high yielding varities viz. CO 43, IR 20, White Ponni, Ponmani and Mangala Mahsuri recorded better ratoon performance.