Genetic variability, character association and path analysis studies for yield components traits in promising rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes

Abstract

Nineteen promising rice genotypes were evaluated for variability, correlation and path analysis for yield and yield component traits. High genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for plant height and grain yield per plant. High estimates of heritability were recorded for days to 50% flowering, plant height, panicle length, productive tillers per plant, spikelets per panicle, spikelet fertility and grain yield per plant. Character associations revealed a positive and significant association of grain yield with days to 50% flowering, plant height, panicle length, productive tillers per plant, the number of spikelets per panicle, spikelet fertility and test weight. Significant and positive association of plant height with panicle length and test weight; panicle length with spikelets per panicle and spikelets fertility; productive tillers per plant with spikelets per panicle, spikelets fertility and test weight; spikelets per panicle with spikelets fertility and test weight; spikelets fertility with test weight indicating a scope for simultaneous improvement of these traits through selection. The path analysis revealed a high positive direct effect of spikelet fertility, moderate positive direct effect of productive tillers per plant and spikelets per panicle in addition to significant and positive association with grain yield per plant. The productive tillers per plant had shown highest positive indirect effect via spikelet fertility on grain yield per plant. Plant height and productive tillers per plant recorded moderate to high PCV, GCV, heritability, genetic advance as per cent of mean in addition to correlation and direct effects of the trait with grain yield, indicating its effectiveness as important selection criteria for yield improvement.