Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance in 3K Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes

The presence of genetic variation for specific traits in populations is of great importance for the development of crop improvement programs and the establishment of appropriate techniques for selection. In the winter of 2021, experiments were conducted to examine the extent of genetic variation in 50 genotypes of rice. Analysis of variance revealed the presence of highly significant differences in all 12 traits examined, indicating the presence of genetic variation between genotypes. The PCV was slightly greater than GCV for all the traits indicating the possibility for genetic improvement for these traits through direct selection. The PCV and GCV estimates were moderate for days to 50% flowering, plant height, panicle length, spikelet fertility and test weight, indicating that environmental factors are more important than genotype alone. Estimates of heritability and genetic advance were high for days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of tillers per plant, number of productive tillers per plant, number of grains per panicle, number of filled grains per panicle, total number of grains per panicle, panicle length, panicle weight, test weight, single plant yield, spikelet fertility. It is indicated that greater influence of additive gene action and it is effective for improvement of the traits in the study.