GENETIC VARIABILITY, CORRELATIONS AND PATH-COEFFICIENTS IN INDICA RICES

Abstract

Genetic variability, simple correlations and path-coefficients were studied on eight quantitative characters in 80 indica rice varieties, including HYV and indigenous high quality rices in two environments each at two locations during rainy season. Statistical analyses were done based on character means on pooled data. A wide range of variation was recorded for most of the characters. Heritability in broad sense was very high for all the characters except harvest index. Spikelets per panicle and plant height exhibited high heritability coupled with high genetic advance. Grain yield per plant showed significant positive correlation with plant height, panicle length, spikelets per panicle, panicle weight, and test weight. Path-analysis indicated a greater contribution of panicle weight to grain yield.