Variability, correlation and path studies in coloured rice

Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken with 33 coloured and white rice genotypes to study the variability and genetic parameters in addition to character associations and path effects for yield and quality parameters. The study involved seven red pericarp, eight black pericarp and 17 white rice genotypes, in addition to the check, BPT 5204. The results revealed high genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variability, heritability and genetic advance as per cent mean for grains per panicle, grain yield per plant, alkali spreading value, protein content, total phenol content, total antioxidant activity, zinc and iron content indicating the effectiveness of selection for these traits. The results on character associations revealed positive and significant association of grain yield with panicle length, grains per panicle and test weight; and the quality traits, namely, alkali spreading value, protein content, total antioxidant activity, zinc and iron content, indicating scope for simultaneous improvement of yield and quality traits through selection. Among these, grains per panicle, protein content and zinc content had also recorded high and positive direct effects on grain yield per plant, indicating the effectiveness of these traits in improvement of grain yield per plant towards development of high yielding genotypes with good nutritional quality.