Genetic variability and character association of agro-morphological and quality characters in rice

Genetic variability and character association were estimated for twelve agro-morphological and quality characters in 40 rice genotypes during dry season 2007–08. High estimates of heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean were recorded for most of the characters indicating the presence of additive gene effects in them. The genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation were maximum for grain yield plant−1 followed by 1000-grain weight and plant height. The correlation analysis revealed strong positive association of kernel length, panicle length, plant height, number of productive tillers plant−1, 1000-grain weight, days to maturity and number of grains panicle−1 with grain yield. Path analysis revealed that kernel length, number of grains panicle−1, plant height, number of productive tillers plant−1 and panicle length were the important characters contributing for grain yield.