Variability and character association analysis in wheat

Variability and character association were studied for eight quantitative characters among thirty six genotypes of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori and Paol.). Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters under study. In general, phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) were higher than their corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV). High heritability and genetic advance were observed for days to 75% flowering, number of grains ear⁻¹ and days to maturity. Grain yield showed positive and significant correlation with 100-grain weight, number of grains ear⁻¹, days to maturity and number of productive tillers plant⁻¹. Path coefficient analysis revealed maximum positive direct effect of 100-grain weight, followed by number of grains ear⁻¹, days to maturity, ear length, number of productive tillers plant⁻¹ and grain yield.