Genetic Variability, Character Association and Path Analysis Studies for Grain Yield and Contributing Traits in Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) under Temperate Conditions of Kashmir

Genetic Variability, Character Association and Path Analysis Studies for Grain Yield and Contributing Traits in Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) under Temperate Conditions of Kashmir A comprehensive study was done for the assessment of genetic variability, character association and path-coefficient using fourteen agro-morphological traits among 35 rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes under temperate conditions of Kashmir valley. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a substantial level of variability among the tested genotypes for all the traits. The greater values of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) over genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters unveiled the influence of environment on character expression. Harvest index showed the highest values of GCV (33.26) and PCV (33.59) and lowest for 1000 grain weight (6.66) and (7.08). High heritability together with high genetic advance was observed in biological yield (0.99) and (53.01). Number of spikelets per panicle (0.49). (46.50), denotes the number of filled grains per panicle (0.99) and (41.90). However, high heritability associated with low genetic advance as percentage of mean was observed for days to maturity (97.00) and (15.11) and 1000 seed weight (89.00) and (12.90). Correlation studies revealed that harvest index (0.47) and (0.43) showed significant positive correlation with grain yield per hill at both genotypic and phenotypic level. While as days to 50% flowering (-0.31) and (-0.28) showed significant negative correlation with grain yield per hill. Path coefficient studies revealed that at genotypic level flag leaf length (0.62) showed high direct positive effect with grain yield per hill followed by flag leaf width (0.61) - while as at phenotypic level flag leaf area (0.49) showed maximum positive direct effect with grain yield per hill followed by harvest index (0.36).)....