Vol. 11, Issue 1 (2022)

Author(s):
Amit Lakra, Ruth Elizabeth Ekka and Mukesh Kumar Singh

Abstract:
The present investigation was carried out during Rabi 2019-20 in a randomized block design (RBD) with 18 wheat genotypes to assess the genetic variability for various morphological and quality traits. The data were recorded on days to 50% flowering, plant height, flag leaf length, number of productive tillers per square meter, peduncle length, spike length, spike weight, number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, 1000 grain weight, days to maturity, biological yield, harvest index and grain yield. Analysis of variance revealed that the mean sum of squares due to genotypes were highly significant for all the characters except plant height, spike weight, number of grains per spike and harvest index. The maximum genotypic coefficient of variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation was recorded for spike weight followed by number of productive tillers per square meter and number of grains per spike. The high heritability estimates were recorded for days to 50 percent flowering, days to maturity and spike length. Expected genetic advance (GA) expressed as percentage of mean was observed moderate for spike length, grain yield, number of productive tillers per square meter, 1000 grain weight, days to 50% flowering, number of spikelets per spike and flag leaf length. The prevalence of both additive and non-additive genetic effects suggested the simultaneous exploitation of these genes by adopting selective intermating and disruptive selection.