Estimation of Genetic Variability Parameters for Various Quantitative Traits and Rust Resistance in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Genetic variability is prerequisite for any crop improvement program as it helps breeders in selection process. For this purpose, present study aimed to estimate genetic parameters of eleven quantitative characters along with reaction for yellow rust resistance of 243 segregating lines of wheat during F4 and F5 generations derived from two crosses, viz., WH 1105 x WH 711 and RAJ 3765 x WH 711. Moderate to high values of GCV and PCV were observed for grain weight/ear, grain yield/plant, biological yield/plant, 100-grain weight, ear weight, number of tillers/plant and number of grains/ear. The heritability estimates were high for number of tillers/plant, ear weight, number of grains/ear, 100-grain weight, biological yield/plant and grain yield/plant. The heritability estimates were high for number of tillers/plant, ear weight, number of grains/ear, 100-grain weight, biological yield/plant and grain yield/plant. Genetic advance as per cent of mean was moderate for grain weight/ear, grain yield/plant, 100-grain weight, biological yield/plant, ear weight, number of tillers/plant and number of grains/ear. High heritability with high genetic advance was observed for number of tillers/plant, grain weight/ear, 100-grain weight and grain yield/plant indicating predominance of additive gene effects and possibilities of effective selection for the improvement of these characters. The reaction to yellow rust varied from highly resistant to highly susceptible among the progenies of both the generations.