Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance in F2 Segregating Population of Cross RNR-15048 x Dokra-Dokri in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The present experiment was conducted to study the variability, heritability and genetic advance in F2 segregating population derived from the cross, RNR-15048 x Dokra-Dokri, evaluated in augmented design with two checks at ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad during the Kharif-2022. Analysis of variance revealed the presence of significant differences for all eleven traits examined, indicating the presence of genetic variation between the individuals studied. Higher values of Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) and Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV) were observed for panicle weight, number of filled grains, number of unfilled grains, total grains per panicle, and single plant yield. Least difference was observed between PCV and GCV value for almost all the traits indicating the little influence by the environment and possibility for genetic improvement of these traits through selection. The traits plant height, panicle weight, number of filled grains, number of unfilled grains, total grains per panicle, spikelet fertility, thousand grain weight and single plant yield recorded high heritability (>60%) associated with high genetic advance as percent of mean (>20) resulting in no environmental influence on the expression and selection for improvement of such characters could be worthwhile. High heritability coupled with moderate genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for panicle length propounding non-additive gene action in their inheritance suggesting heterosis breeding could be useful for improving these traits. Overall high PCV and GCV coupled with high heritability and high genetic advance as percent of mean was noticed for panicle weight, number of filled grains, number of unfilled grains, total grains per panicle, and single plant yield suggesting significant amount of variability with predominance of additive type of gene action. Hence, direct phenotypic selection.