Investigation of Various Quantitative Traits Interaction and Genetic Variability in Oats (Avena sativa L.)

Abstract

The present study, titled “Investigation of Various Quantitative Traits Interaction and Genetic Variability in Oats (Avena sativa L.)” was conducted during the Rabi season of 2024–25 at the Agricultural Research Farm, Prof. Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) University, Naini, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The present investigation entitled “Investigation of Various Quantitative Traits Interaction and Genetic Variability in Oats (Avena sativa L.)” was carried out during the Rabi season of 2024–25 at the Agricultural Research Farm, Prof. Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) University, Naini, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Thirteen oat genotypes, including a check variety, were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications to assess genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation, and path coefficient analysis across 18 quantitative traits. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among genotypes for all traits, indicating the presence of substantial genetic variability. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were observed for seed yield per plot (88.92% and 89.27%), seed yield per plant (18.44% and 18.93%), and number of tillers per plant (12.44% and 16.40%), suggesting the prevalence of additive gene action. Heritability estimates ranged from moderate to high, with the highest values recorded for seed yield per plot (99.21%), days to 75% maturity (95.83%), and seed yield per plant (94.96%). Correspondingly, high genetic advance as percentage of mean was noted for seed yield per plot (182.45%), seed yield per plant (37.03%), and number of tillers per plant (19.42%). Genotypic correlation analysis revealed that seed yield per plot exhibited highly significant and positive associations with harvest index (0.507**), seed yield per plant (0.385*), biological yield (0.496**), and number of seeds per panicle (0.720**), highlighting their importance in yield improvement. Path coefficient analysis at the genotypic level indicated that biological yield (1.053), harvest index (0.706), and panicle length (0.390) exerted the highest direct positive effects on seed yield per plot, confirming their role as key determinants for enhancing oat productivity.