Genetic analysis and trait association for yield related traits in F2:3 biparental population of rice under slightly sodic condition

Genetic variability and correlation studies provide basic information concerning the genetic properties of the population based on which, breeding methods could be formulated for further improvement of the crop. The estimates of heritability, coefficients of variability, genetic advance and trait association were computed for eleven yield related traits in F2:3 segregating populations of biparental crosses under slightly sodic condition. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences for the traits studied except, effective tillers per plant, panicle length and test weight, indicating the existence of high genetic variability among the lines. Estimates of phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) were higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters studied, indicating considerable effect of environment. Moderate heritability accompanied with high genetic advance was recorded for filled grains and unfilled grains per panicle which, indicates heritability is most likely due to additive gene effect and selection for the traits will be effective. Traits like: effective tillers per plant, panicle length, filled grains per panicle and total grains per panicle that showed, positive and significant association with grain yield per plant, could be useful for breeders in any breeding program for further improvement of the traits under sodic condition.