Assessment of genetic variability, correlation and path analysis for yield and related traits in elite rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasm

Abstract

Studies on genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and correlation coefficient analysis and path analysis. Analysis of variance among 26 elite rice germplasm showed highly significant differences for all the characters under study indicated the presence of a substantial amount of genetic variability. Higher estimates of GCV and PCV were for number of panicles per plant followed by number of tillers per plant followed by spikelets per panicle indicating that these characters could be used as selection for crop improvement. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance is recorded for number of spikelets per plant. Correlation study revealed that Grain yield per plant showed the high significant positive correlation with number of tillers per plant, number of panicles, panicle length, number of grains per panicle, biological yield showed positive significant correlation at phenotype and genotypic levels. Path coefficient analysis revealed that days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of tillers per plant, number of panicles per plant, flag leaf length, number of grains per panicle, biological yield and harvest index has positive direct effect on grain yield per plant.