Selection Criteria for Identification of High Yielding Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes under Aerobic Cultivation

Abstract

Ten rice genotypes were evaluated to study the genetic variability, correlation and path analysis under aerobic conditions for selection of high yielding genotypes. The experiment is carried out in RCBD with 3 replications and the data is analysed in SPAR 2.0, Past 4.01 and OPSTAT for variability, correlation and path analysis respectively. The phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were high for the number of productive tillers per plant, the number of filled grains per panicle, 1000-grain weight, biological yield and grain yield indicating the possibility of genetic improvement through direct selection for these traits. The magnitude of difference between PCV and GCV was less for the traits indicating little influence of environment. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for the number of productive tillers per plant, the number of filled grains per panicle, 1000-grain weight, spikelet fertility, biological yield and grain yield indicating a preponderance of additive gene action, which provide excellent scope for further improvement by selection. Significant positive association of grain yield with number of productive tillers per plant, panicle length, number of filled grains per panicle, 1000-grain weight, spikelet fertility and biological yield was observed. Path analysis revealed the traits, number of filled grains per panicle exerted highest positive direct effect on grain yield followed by 1000-gain weight and number of productive tillers per plant. Thus, these traits which contribute to the grain yield under aerobic condition could be exploited for further breeding programme.