Estimation of variability parameters and path coefficients for certain metric traits in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell.)

Phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation (PCV, GCV), heritability, genetic advance (GA) and path coefficients for 12 characters were estimated in 50 genotypes of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum). High estimates of PCV, GCV, heritability and GA indicated scope for improvement through simple selection for grain weight/spike, grain yield/plant, grains/spike, 1000-grain weight, biological yield/plant, harvest index, tillers/plant, spikes/plant, and plant height. However, there was little variability and scope for selection in the material for days to flowering and maturity and spikelets/spike. Path analysis further indicated the importance of biological yield/plant, harvestindex and grain weight/spike, as these characters showed highest direct effects on grain yield. Winter wheat genotypes, viz., Tufilar, NS 879/4, Bolal, Opal and Kavkaz were identified as good combiners for grain yield and other desirable characters.