Correlation, Heritability and Genetic Advance Studies in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Ten diverse genotypes of rice (Oryza sativa L.) were crossed in a diallel fashion to study correlation, heritability and genetic advance for 12 quantitative characters. Significant and positive correlation for number of spikelets per panicle, straw yield per plant, total biological yield and harvest index with grain yield. Days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and plant height had the negative significant correlation with grain yield. High estimates of heritability and genetic advance were obtained for plant height, number of spikelets per panicle, days to 50 per cent flowering and days to maturity. These traits were mostly governed by additive gene action. and these characters are important for the breeder to construct selection indices.