Assessment of genetic parameters foryield and yield components in rice

The present investigation was undertaken using 73 diverse rice genotypes with objectives to assess their genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, character association and path analysis for grain yield and yield attributing traits. The results showed that high estimates of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation were observed for grain yield per plant, filled grains per panicle, total grains per panicle, number of effective tillers per plant. High heritability along with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for the number of grains per panicle, filled grains per panicle, grain yield per plant, panicle weight, number of effective tillers per plant, flag leaf width and plant height indicating characters were less influenced with the environment variance in the inheritance of these traits. Grain yield per plant had high significant and positive genotypic correlation with all the traits studied except days to maturity and test weight. Path analysis showed maximum positive direct effects for effective tillers per plant, panicle weight, filled grains per panicle, panicle length and test weight, hence, the selection based on these traits would be more effective in rice breeding program.