Studies on genetic variability, correlation and path analysis for yield and yield contributing traits in wheat (T. Aestivum L. Em Thell.)

Abstract

A study was undertaken to analyze the genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis of yield and yield contributing traits in twenty four wheat genotypes grown at BHU Agricultural Farm, during Rabi season of 2010-11. Wide genetic variation was observed among genotypes for days to heading, plant height, tillers per m2 and grains per spike. Considering genetic parameters, high genotypic co-efficient of variation (GCV) was observed for grains per spike, peduncle length, plant height whereas, low GCV was observed for days to heading, chlorophyll content and tillers per m2. In all cases, phenotypic variances were higher than the genotypic variances. High heritability with low genetic advance in per cent of mean was observed for days to heading which indicated the involvement of non-additive gene action for the e×pression of this character and selection for such trait might not be rewarding. High heritability with high genetic advance in per cent of mean was observed for peduncle length and grains per spike indicating that these traits were under additive gene control and selection for genetic improvement for these traits would be effective. Yield per plot had high positive and significant correlation with tillers per m2 and 1000-grain weight. Path coefficient analysis revealed ma×imum direct contribution towards yield per plot with sheath length followed by grains per spike.