Morphological Traits as Selection Indices in Rice: A Statistical View

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to estimate variability and genetic parameters of sixty-eight rice genotypes for twelve agronomically important characters. Significant variations were observed for all characters. Considering genetic parameters, high genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variations, high heritability (broad sense) and high genetic advance as percentage of mean were shown by eight characters viz. tillers per plant, days to 50% flowering, harvest index, spikelets per panicle, spikelets per plant, spikelet density, panicles per plant and grain yield. Thus these characters were under the influence of additive gene action and a satisfactory selection programme for agronomic improvement on the basis of these characters is possible.