Genetic divergence studies on Rice

Abstract

The present investigation entitled "Genetic divergence studies on rice" inv~lvi~~ forty ~hree genotypes was undertaken to examine the genetic variability, hentab1hty, genetic advance, correlation coefficient, path coefficient analysis and genetic divergence. All the forty three rice genotypes were tested in randomized block design with 3 replications during Kharif 2014. Observations were recorded for days to 50% panicle emergence, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of reproductive tillers per plant, panicle length, biological yield per plant, harvest index, test weight, number of grain per panicle and grain yield per plant. Analysis of variance revealed substantial amount of variability among the genotypes for all the characters under study, indicated wide spectrum of variability among the genotypes. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance were observed for plant height, number of reproductive tillers per plant, biological yield per plant, harvest index, test weight, number of grain per panicle and grain yield per plant, showing the influence of additive gene action on the traits hence, may be useful for effective selection. Correlation and path analysis indicated that effective improvement in grain yield may be obtained by number of grains per panicle, harvest index, biological yield per plant and test weight also can be considered as guidelines for further breeding work. Genotype from the same geographical region fell into different clusters and vice-versa. This suggested that selections of parents for hybridization should be on genetic diversity rather than on the geographical areas. Grain yield per plant followed by number of grains per panicle, biological yield per plant, harvest index, plant height, panicle length, test weight and days to 50% flowering contributed ~ost to~ards divergence. Divergence study suggeste.d that crosses suggesting genotypes l~ke Sath1 Safe~, PR ~ 13, Punjab Basmati 2, Vallabh basmati 21, PR 114 and Pus~t1 1509 for gettmg desired segregants from breeding point of view.