Genetic Diversity and Variability Analysis for Yield and Its Components in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Ninety genotypes along with four checks of wheat were studied for creating scientific information on nature and magnitude of genetic diversity and variability at MES of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology in 2023. The experiment was conducted in Augmented Block Design. The data were recorded on Days to 50% flowering, Days to maturity, Plant height, Effective tillers per plant, Spike length, Spikelets per spike, 1000-grain weight, Biological yield per plant, Grain yield per plant. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among the genotypes for all characters and variance due to treatments were highly significant, whereas the variation due to blocks were not significant. The highest estimates of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were recorded for 1000- grain weight. Low PCV values (<10%) were obtained for almost all the characters. High heritability was observed for all the traits and moderate genetic advance observed for 1000- grain weight, genetic advance of grain yield per plant observed was 10.41%. Variability in the genotypes and heritability in the tested traits of the genotypes under study have generally been noted. Thus, hybridization and selection on those genotypes based on the characteristic with high heritability and GCV and genetic advancement might be suggested for further bread wheat yield increase at the appropriate place.