Association analysis for yield and quality attributes in Indica rice and screening of hybrids against blast disease (Magnaporthe grisea Barr.)

Abstract

Rice is mostly grown in the Asian subcontinent and known by its good cooking qualities. Its production is, however, often constrained by several biotic factors. The present study may be useful for the development of resistant lines against the blast disease possess high yielding capacity. Thirty nine Indica rice genotypes were used to study the extent of genetic parameter and association analysis for quantitative and qualitative traits. These genotypes were screened against blast disease of rice by artificial inoculation in field. All quantitative and qualitative traits exhibited highly significant difference (p<0.01) among treatments, it indicates the adequate genetic variability among the genotypes under study. Estimates of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation were high for filled grains per plant, total grains per plant, panicle initiation and Grain Yield per Plant (GYPP). Heritability was high (>80%) for all the characters except head rice recovery, hulling percentage and kernel breadth; indicates the roles of additive gene action and a good scope of selection using their phenotypic performance. GYPP showed strong positive association with yield contributing traits while non-significant association with rest of the traits. In blast screening, none of the varieties and F1 hybrids found highly resistant. Among the parental lines, Anjali was resistant, HUR3022, Vandana, HUR105 and BPT5204 were moderately resistant and six lines were moderately to highly susceptible. Among the hybrids, only two hybrids (AnjalixBPT 5204 and AnnadaxBPT 5204) were found resistant to rice blast disease. © 2013 Academic Journals Inc.