Assessment of heritability and genetic parameters in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) based on agronomic and morphological traits

Abstract

The present study in thirty wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes was undertaken to get knowledge on genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in Indian cultivated wheat varieties. Plant materials were planted in a RBD with three replications during two consecutive rabi seasons of 2014-15 and 2015-16.The analysis of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for sixteen agronomic characters were recorded. Maximum values for genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were recorded for peduncle length (17.62 and 17.45 %) and (18.21 and 18.69 %) during two years, respectively. High heritability in broad sense was observed in plant height (95.28 and 98.07 %) followed by peduncle length (93.57 and 87.16 %) during two years, respectively. Genetic advance for almost all traits were found low to moderate which the maximum value was observed for number of tillers/m (16.2 and 11.59). The results obtained from this study indicated that great magnitude of genetic variability existed among wheat genotypes that could be used for development of new varieties by wheat breeders.