Unraveling the genetic basis of yield components in rice (Oryza sativa L.) through variation assessment

Abstract

The present study was carried out to determine the extent of genetic variability in 120 genotypes of rice for yield and its attributing traits. The results of the analysis of variance showed that there were significant genotype differences for each of the thirty studied features. The highest value of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) seen for alkali spreading value which demonstrates that this trait is highly influenced by environment so that variation is created among the genotypes. The estimated value of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) is high for chalkiness which indicates that the character is mostly influenced by genetic background of the genotype and it is the cause for variation among the genotypes. The difference between the PCV and GCV values for most of the characteristics under study was negligible, pointing to a minimal environmental influence on the expression of these traits and indicating genotypic variations across genotypes for selection to act. Higher heritability along with high genetic advance as a percentage of mean were observed for traits like grain yield per plant, followed by biological yield per plant, amylose content and chalkiness. It illustrates that the mode of gene action is additive type and therefore the selection for these traits would be fruitful.