Multiseasonal Assessment of Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance in Rice (Oryza sativa L.): Implications for Trait Improvement through Selection
Arpitha, K *
Department of Seed Science and Technology, Seed Research and Technology Centre, PJTAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Jagan Mohan Rao, P
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, PJTAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Sujatha, P
Office of Director of Research, Administrative Office, PJTAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Parimala, K
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, ARS, Tandur, PJTAU, Telangana, India.
S.N.C.V.L. Pushpavalli
Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, PJTAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Raghavendra, K.
Sairadhya Organics & Seed Technology Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Variation in genetic composition within a population is often referred to as genetic variability, which serves as the basis for developing breeding techniques aimed at further crop improvement. The study assessed genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in 14 yield related traits across 21 paddy genotypes during the 2022 and 2023 Kharif seasons. The traits include; leaf blade length (cm), leaf blade width (cm), time of heading, stem length (cm), panicle length (cm), number of panicles per hill, days to maturity, 1000-grain weight (g), grain length (mm), grain width (mm), decorticated grain length (mm), decorticated grain width (mm), amylose content in the endosperm, and awn length. Phenotypic variation was consistently higher than genotypic variation, indicating environmental influence. Despite low to moderate genetic variability, moderate to high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for all traits, suggesting good potential for genetic improvement through selection.
Keywords: Variability, phenotypic coefficient of variation, genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability, genetic advance as percent of mean