Assessment of genetic variability in newly developed rice (Oryza sativa L.) hybrids

Abstract

The knowledge of genetic variability in a given crop species for characters under improvement is important in any plant breeding programme. Genetic parameters for yield and its correspondent characters in rice were estimated from a trialconducted at Rice Research Centre, Agricultural Research Institute, PJTSAU, Hyderabad during Kharif, 2017. In the present study, four Cytoplasmic Male Sterility lines, eight male lines and thirty-two hybrids and four checks were evaluated. The analysis of variance showed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters, indicated the presenceof enormous amount of genetic variability. High phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was observed for number of grains per panicle (26.55, 23.16) and grain yield per plant (21.67, 21.24) indicating that these characters could use as selection for crop improvement. High heritability coupled with high genetic gain as percentage of mean was observed for number of grains per panicle (70.26, 41.61) and 1000 grain weight (61.9, 29.52) which showed presence of additive gene action and thus the chances of fixing by selection will be more to improve such traits through pure line selection in the evaluated genotypes.