Genetic variability and yield performance of rice genotypes: Evaluating hybrids and parental lines for breeding potential

This study evaluated the yield performance and genetic variability of thirty-one rice genotypes, including ten parental lines, twenty-one hybrids, which focusing on 11 key yield-contributing traits across three replications. Notable variation in grain yield was observed among the genotypes, with yield per plant ranging from 19.40 g (R2404-346-164-1 X Improved Samba Mahsuri) to 30.13 g (Swarna X DRR Dhan 62), and an overall mean yield of 24.55 g. The hybrid Swarna X DRR Dhan 62 exhibited the highest grain yield, while PKV HMT X Improved Samba Mahsuri demonstrated the highest harvest index (75.52%), reflecting efficient conversion of biomass into grain. Among the parental lines, PKV HMT achieved the highest spikelet fertility (89.08%), and DRR Dhan 62 recorded the highest biological yield (66 g), indicating their potential as donor lines for future breeding programs targeting yield improvement. ANOVA results confirmed the significant influence of treatments on most traits, with many parameters showing significance at the 1% level. Genetic analysis revealed that traits such as unfilled grains per panicle, which had high broad-sense heritability (89.35%) and genetic advance, are strongly controlled by genetic factors and are promising targets for selection in breeding programs. In contrast, traits like days to maturity and the number of grains per panicle exhibited low heritability, indicating substantial environmental influence and limited potential for genetic improvement through selection. Traits like plant height and 100-seed weight demonstrated moderate heritability, suggesting a balance between genetic and environmental effects, with moderate potential for selection. Overall, the study highlights significant genetic variability among the rice genotypes, with the hybrids Swarna X DRR Dhan 62 and PKV HMT X Improved Samba Mahsuri identified as the most promising candidates for future breeding efforts. The parental lines PKV HMT and DRR Dhan 62 also emerged as valuable resources for developing new high-yielding and adaptable rice varieties. These findings provide a solid foundation for selecting and breeding rice genotypes with enhanced yield potential and environmental adaptability, contributing to the development of improved rice cultivars Overall, the study highlights significant genetic variability among the rice genotypes, with the hybrids Swarna X DRR Dhan 62 and PKV HMT X Improved Samba Mahsuri identified as the most promising candidates for future breeding efforts. The parental lines PKV HMT and DRR Dhan 62 also emerged as valuable resources for developing new high-yielding and adaptable rice varieties. These findings provide a solid foundation for selecting and breeding rice genotypes with enhanced yield potential and environmental adaptability, contributing to the development of improved rice cultivars.