Genetic variability in rice (Oryza sativa L.) landraces for seedling vigour traits

Abstract

A study was carried out in 73 rice landraces along with two varieties to study the genetic variability and associationof the traits related to early seedling vigour. Morphological traits such as seedling height, leaf sheath length andleaf blade length were measured in seedlings on 15 and 25 days after sowing. Analysis of variance indicated thepresence of genetic variability for seedling vigour related traits in rice landraces. High GCV, PCV and high heritabilitycoupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean were observed indicating selection may be effective forimprovement of these traits. Estimates of genotypic correlation were higher than that of phenotypic correlationindicating strong genetic association among the traits studied. Landraces viz., Senkar, Palkachaka, Murugankar,Kaatuponni, Kochin Samba, Poongar, Thillainayagam and Kuliyadichan exhibited significantly higher seedlingheight on both 15 and 25 DAS. These landraces may harbour favourable alleles for early seedling vigour. Hence,they can be utilized for improving early seedling vigour after validating its stable expression across variedenvironments.