Genetic variability and character association study for yield and its component traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The present investigation was carried out with thirty two genotypes of rice to study nature and magnitude of variability, degree of association between yield and its component traits and to assess direct and indirect effects of different characters on the grain yield. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences for the characters under study, indicating the presence of high genetic variability among the genotypes. The value of PCV was relatively higher than GCV values with small differences which indicate less environmental influence on the expression of all the traits. High heritability was recorded for all the traits studied. Filled grains per panicle and total grain per panicle exhibited highest heritability followed by plant height and unfilled grains per panicle. Positive and significant correlation was observed between unfilled grains per panicle and yield. In path coefficient analysis the traits like days to maturity, effective tillers, plant height, filled grain per panicle, unfilled grain per panicle and test weight show positive direct effect whereas traits like days to 50% flowering, panicle length, total grains per panicle and spikelet fertility % showed negative direct effect with grain yield per plant.