Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in medium mature rice (Oryza sativa L.) hybrids in eastern plain zone of Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Data were recorded for 13 quantitative and 7 quality characters to study genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance. Analysis of variance among 31 rice hybrids showed highly significant differences for all the characters indicated the presence of substantial amount of genetic variability. On the basis of mean performance highest grain yield per hill observed in hybrid IHRT-M 3311 (32.67 g), followed by IHRT-M 3312 (30.67 g), IHRT-M 3314 (29.67 g). The hybrid IHRT-M 3311 was considered to be best hybrid having high grain yield, early maturity, more no of tillers per plant coupled with desirable hulling %, long kernel length and less width. Highest GCV and PCV was observed for grain yield per hill (27.14, 27.55), followed by spikelets per panicle (22.67, 22.76) indicating that these characters could be used as selection for crop improvement. High estimates of heritability were observed for plant height, spikelets per panicle and biological yield (99.00%) followed by days to 50% flowering (98.3%) and days to maturity (97.34%). High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for spikelets per panicle (99.24% and 110.69), indicating predominance of additive gene effects and the possibilities of effective selection for the improvement of these characters.