Estimation of Some Genetic Parameters for Ratooning Ability in F₂ Populations of Rice (Oryza Sativa L.)

Genetic variability, broad-sense heritability, genetic advance under selection for ratooning ability and its association with some main-crop traits were studied in eight F₂ populations. The maximum genetic variability was observed in the cross IR 19799-17-3-1-1A X IR 13420-6-3-3-1. The estimates of heritability and genetic advance were moderate only in three crosses. Low heritability and genetic advance in most crosses indicated that early generation selection would not be effective in improving this trait. Ratooning ability did not show a consistent trend of association with main-crop plant height, tillers and panicles/plant.