Studies on genetic variability parameters for various quantitative and qualitative traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

The investigation was carried out using 73 genotypes to study genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for various quantitative and qualitative traits in rice genotypes. These genotypes are evaluated in a replicated trial using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) at Norman E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand during Kharif 2017. Analysis of variance revealed that there is highly significant genetic variations were reported among 73 genotypes for all the 18 characters studied. Highest phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for grain yield per plant (37.09% & 36.69%) followed by alkali digestion value (40.94% & 25.41%), 1000 grain weight (34.95% & 29.01%), spikelet fertility (28.26% & 28.10%), number of tillers per plant (27.13% & 20.57%) and number of grains per panicle (25.51% & 25.46%). High heritability coupled with high genetic advance were observed for important characters such as, number of grains per panicle, spikelet fertility, grain yield per plant and plant height indicated that the characters have greater scope for improvement through direct phenotypic selection by fixing additive genetic effects.