Genetic Variability Studies for Yield and Yield Contributing Traits in Rice

The experiments were conducted at Paddy Breeding Station, TNAU, Coimbatore to assess the variability of M₃ families of Rathu Heenati. The results indicated that the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than its genotypic counterpart (GCV) for all the studied traits and the differences between PCV and GCV for the all characters were very less. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance in per cent of mean was observed for number of grains per panicle, number of productive tillers per plant, spikelet sterility and single plant yield which indicating these characters would be best for phenotypic selection. The increased genetic variability in treated population for these traits has a high scope for selection and can be exploited for the further improvement.