Genetic variability, association and path analysis in the F2 population of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The present study focused on estimating variability attributes, heritability, genetic advance, trait relationship and path coefficient analysis for ten traits in an F2 individuals resulting from the cross between CO 52 and FR13A. Notably high values for genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation (GCV and PCV), along with high heritability and substantial genetic advance as a percentage of the mean, were observed for traits such as single plant yield, number of filled grains and number of productive tillers. These results suggest the influence of additive gene action and implied that simple selection methods would be effective for improving these attributes. Traits including the number of tillers, productive tillers, filled grains and spikelet fertility showed significant positive correlations and a significant absolute effect on single plant yield, indicating their potential value in enhancing yield. From the total of 190 F2 plants, 57 individuals carrying the favorable SUB1 QTL allele were identified for further submergence tolerance screening. The findings from this research offered valuable insights for selecting promising traits and can contribute to future rice breeding efforts aimed at improving yield.