Genetic Variability, Character Association and Path Coefficient Analysis in Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf.)

Genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis was studied for grain yield and its components in 28 diverse genotypes of durum wheat. The analysis of variance revealed the significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits indicating presence of sufficient variability among the genotypes for various traits. The high GCV and PCV were observed for grain yield per plant, number of effective tillers per plant, spike length and 1000 grain weight indicated wider genetic variation for these traits. The high heritability combined with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for grain yield per plant indicated that selection may be effective for this character. The results of correlation studies indicated that genotypic correlation coefficients were higher in magnitude than their corresponding phenotypic correlation coefficients for most of the traits. Grain yield per plant had significant and positive correlation with grain filling period, effective tillers per plant and 1000 grain weight at both genotypic and phenotypic levels indicating that these three traits were main yield attributing traits. The path analysis indicated that effective tillers per plant had maximum direct effect on grain yield followed by grain filling period and 1000 grain weight should be given for yield improvement in durum wheat.