Genetic variability and character association studies in advanced backcross generation of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

An experiment was designed to know the genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and character association among the lines homozygous dominant for gall midge resistance genes Gm1 and Gm4 in the genetic background of ADT 38 variety of rice in advanced backcrossed (BC1F5) generation of rice. The Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters studied. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was registered for character like hundred grain weight. Highly significant positive correlation with single plant yield was exhibited by traits like number of tillers, number of productive tillers and number of filled grain per panicle. Positive direct effect was exhibited by number of tillers, number of filled grains per panicle and hundred grain weight towards single plant yield. These characters will be useful for further breeding.