Estimation of narrow-sense heritability and genetic advance for yield and component traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The present investigation aimed to estimate narrow-sense heritability and genetic advance as a percent of mean (GA%) for grain yield and its component traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.) using segregating generations. The experimental material consisted of four diverse crosses: NVSR 3169 × Gontra Bidhan 3, NVSR 3169 × Pusa 1509, Lal Kada Gold × DRR Dhan 62, and Lal Kada Gold × IR 55179-3B-11-3. Five generations (P₁, P₂, F₁, F₂, and F₃) were developed, but only F₂ and F₃ generations were considered for the estimation of heritability and GA%, as these represent segregating populations. The experiment was conducted during summer 2025 at the Regional Rice Research Station, Vyara, under Navsari Agricultural University. Observations were recorded on thirteen quantitative traits. Moderate to high estimates of narrow-sense heritability and GA% were observed for traits such as grain yield per plant, plant height, straw yield, and 100-grain weight, suggesting the involvement of additive gene action and the effectiveness of simple selection. These findings indicate that considerable improvement in yield and related traits is possible through direct selection in early segregating generations.