Genetic variability, correlation coefficient and path analysis inBread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A study was undertaken to estimate the genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis of yield and yield contributing traits in 31 wheat genotypes grown in randomized block design with three replications at Research Farm, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, R. M. P. (P.G.) College, Gurukul Narsan, Haridwar, Uttarakhand during 2023-24. The analysis of variance revealed that the treatments were highly significant for all the characters. The PCV was greater than GCV for all the characters which reflects theexisting range of variability within the genotypes in expression of traits was also due to grain yield/ plant. High heritability was recorded for plant height and no of grains/ ear. High value of heritability indicates that it may be due to higher contribution of genotypic components. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of means were recorded for number of grains/ ear, ear length, number of tillers/ plant that indicated predominance of additive gene action in the inheritance of these traits. The correlation coefficients estimate showed very strong positive association with days to maturity, tillers / plant, no. of grains/ ear, ear length, biological yield per plant and harvest index with grain yield. Existence of significant positive associations among yield and important yield components suggested that selection would be highly effective and efficient in improving these traits due to possibility of correlated response. Path analysis the highest positive direct effect was observed in biological yield/ plant, harvest index, no of ears/ plant, ear, 1000-grain weight, days to 50% heading and number of grains/ ear, days to maturity, no. of spikelets/ ear and Grain weight per spike (g). So traits like harvest index, biological yield/ plant, no of ears/ plant and 1000 grain weight show both positive correlation as well as positive direct effect on grain yield per plant. Hence, selection of these traits can bring about yield improvement in wheat.