Variability, character association and path analysis in rice varieties under submergence

Variability and heritability studies among the 64 genotypes revealed the existence of significant differences for all the characteristics indicating wide variability among the genotypes. Variability was found high in relative shoot elongation, while it was low in days to 50% flowering among the genotypes under study. The characters viz., total shoot elongation, relative shoot elongation, plant survival per cent and grain yield per plant registered high heritability coupled with high genetic advance giving scope for phenotypic selection as additive gene action under submergence. Ear bearing tillers recorded low genetic advance along with heritability indicated that this character was highly influenced by environment. The association analysis indicated negative association of plant survival per cent with total shoot elongation and relative shoot elongation, whereas positive association with yield per plant indicated its importance. Path analysis revealed that the traits viz., total shoot elongation, plant survival per cent, plant height at maturity, kernel length and test weight exhibited positive direct effects on grain yield per plant. The direct effects of plant survival and test weight were more and hence these traits could be considered for getting good yield under submergence conditions.