Variability for Yield and Component Traits in Elite Parental Lines of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The genetic variability among 55 elite restorer lines and 2 CMS lines was studied for yield and component characters. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters under study. The estimates of PCV were little greater than corresponding GCV for all the traits studied, indicating slight influence of environment. High estimates of PCV and GCV were observed for number of filled grains panicle⁻¹ indicating considerable variability among the lines for this trait. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed in case of ear bearing tillers plant⁻¹, number of filled grains panicle⁻¹, test weight and grain yield plant⁻¹ suggesting the role of additive gene action in the inheritance of these traits and directional selection could be profitably applied on these traits in a genetically diverse material.