Variability and Genetic Parameter Analysis in Kerala Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Varieties

Genetic parameters of variability and heritability of different characters were studied in 22 rice genotypes. Analysis of variance showed significant differences for yield and yield contributing traits viz., days to 50 per cent flowering, plant height, number of productive tillers per plant, panicle length, panicle weight, spikelets per panicle, total number of filled grains per panicle, single plant grain yield and single plant straw yield. PCV (Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation) was higher than GCV (Genotypic Coefficient of Variation) for all the characters studied. All characters showed high heritability. High heritability combined with high genetic advance as per cent of mean were recorded for days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of productive tillers per plant, panicle weight, total number of filled grains per panicle, spikelets per panicle, grain yield per plant and straw yield per plant and hence selection may be effective for these characters.