Genetic Variability, Heritability and Correlation Coefficient Analysis for Yield and Yield Component Traits in Upland Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important staple crops consumed by more than half of the world’s population. To assess the range of genetic variability, heritability and association between yield and yield component traits of upland rice, a field experiment was conducted using twelve upland rice genotypes during 2013 main cropping season. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design, with three replications under rain -fed condition. The analyses of variances (ANOVA) showed significant differences nearly for all traits tested, except panicle length and number of fertile tillers per plant. Grain yield ranged from 2340 kg/ha for genotype FOFIFA-3737 to 3400 kg/ha for genotype AD-48, with a mean value of 2868 kg/ha. High to medium phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variability were observed for thousand grain weight, biomass yield and grain yield. High broad sense heritability estimates were observed for thousand seed weight, days to 75% maturity, days to 50% heading and biomass yield kg/ha. High to medium heritability and genetic advance were observed for plant height, thousand grain weight, biomass yield and grain yield. Days to 75% maturity, panicle length, plant height, number of fertile tillers per plant, number of spikelet per panicle, number of filled grains per panicle and biomass yield had a positive and significant correlation with grain yield. Generally from this study, plant height, number of spikelet per panicle, number of filled grains per panicle, and biomass yield were found to be important yield component traits.