Genetic variability, correlation and path analysis studies for grain yield and morpho-physiological traits under moisture-stress conditions in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under north-western Himalayan

Abstract

2023. Genetic variability, correlation and path analysis studies for grain yield and morpho-physiological traits under moisture-stress conditions in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under northwestern Himalayan conditions. Journal of Cereal Research 15 (1): 92-102. Abstract In order to determine best selection criteria for moisture stress tolerance, thirty-one diverse genotypes including 27 bread wheat lines along with two triticale and one each of durum and barley were evaluated to assess different components of variability, correlation and path analysis using various morpho-physiological, grain yield and yield contributing traits in moisture-stress conditions under both field and controlled conditions. Analysis of variance revealed significant genotypic variation for all the traits studied under field and controlled conditions which indicated the presence of sufficient genetic variability amongst genotypes for these traits. Grain yield per plant, tillers per plant and harvest index exhibited moderate estimates for PCV, GCV, heritability and genetic advance while seedling dry weight exhibited high PCV and GCV coupled with high heritability and genetic advance. Based on correlation and path analysis, grains per spike, biological yield and harvest index emerged to be the important selection criteria under moisture stress conditions. Flag leaf area, peduncle length and dry matter accumulation also appeared to be the important traits based on their direct or indirect contributions towards grain yield.Most of the seedling traits showed positive correlations among themselves, but none showed significant positive correlation with biological yield, harvest index and grain yield per plant at maturity. Elite genotypes viz., HPW 432, HPW 433, Tarmori, Kanku, Old Synthetic 26 and Old Synthetic 54 having good combination of important yield components and / or morpho-physiological traits could be utilized in the wheat improvement programme for enhancement of productivity under moisture-stress conditions.