Genetic Variability Studies for Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes

Forty five rice genotypes were evaluated in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) at Regional Agricultural Research station, Polasa, during kharif 2023 to determine the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for ten traits. Analysis of variance showed significant variation for all the characters in the genotypes studied. Moderate level of Phenotypic Coefficient of variation Genotypic Coefficient of variation was recorded for plant height, number of productive tillers per plant, 1000 grain weight, grain yield and head rice recovery. Low level of Phenotypic Coefficient of variation Genotypic Coefficient of variation was recorded for days to 50% flowering, panicle length, hulling and milling percentage. Moderate Genotypic coefficient of variation and high Phenotypic Coefficient of variation was recorded for number of grains per panicle. Heritability was high for days to 50% flowering, plant height, panicle length, number of productive tillers per plant,1000 grain weight, grain yield, milling and head rice recovery. Genetic Advance (% mean) was high for the traits plant height, number of productive tillers per plant, number of grains per panicle, 1000 grain weight, grain yield and head rice recovery . High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was recorded for plant height, number of productive tillers per plant, 1000 grain weight, grain yield and head rice recovery. It indicates that these characers are controlled by additive gene action. Low heritability coupled with low genetic advance as per cent mean was recorded for hulling percentage which indicates that this character is governed by non additive gene action. It is vitally important to evaluate variability for yield and other characteristics in order to plan an appropriate breeding strategy for genetic improvement. For the purpose of a potential breeding program, the current study set out to ascertain the genetic variability and heritability of the necessary qualities among genotypes of rice.