Genetic Variability Analysis for Quantitative Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The present study was conducted at Agricultural and Horticultural Research station, Kathalagere, Karnataka. The experiment consisted of sixty four rice genotypes that were evaluated to study genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for grain yield along with four yield-associated traits. The experiment was conducted using 8x8 simple lattice square design during the 2015 kharif main cropping season. The analysis of variance revealed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) indicating the existence of genetic variability among the sixty four genotypes for all the traits studied. Higher PCV and GCV values were exhibited by panicles per square meter which suggest the possibility of improving this trait through selection. The highest heritability was recorded for days to 50% flowering and plant height (cm) followed by yield kg/ha and panicles per meter square. High to medium heritability coupled with high GCV and high genetic advance as percentage of means were exhibited for plant height, panicles per square meter. High genetic advances as per cent of means were recorded by yield kg per hectare, panicles per square metre, Plant height (cm) and days to fifty per cent flowering.