Studies on Genetic Variability and Heritability in Rice Genotypes (Oryza sativa. L.) under Salinity

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important staple food crops in the world because more than half of the world's population depends on rice for their livelihood. By 2050, the world's rice productivity will need to double in order to keep up with population growth. Narrow genetic base in the released variety has made the improvement in plateaus. In order to go more than the yield barrier, the genetic base must be broadened. Heritability and genetic variability were measured in eighty-six rice genotypes in terms of yield and yield contributing traits under saline soils. Significant differences were found between the genotypes for all of the studied traits according to analysis of variance. High PCV and GCV were recorded for the traits viz., mortality percentage (%), total number of grains per panicle, number of un-filled grains per panicle, sterility percentage (%) and seed yield per plant (g). The traits showed a significant degree of genetic advancement together with high heritability were mortality percentage (%), 1000 grain weight (g) and seed yield per plant (g). Genetic advance over mean were high for mortality percentage (%), number of productive tillers/m2, total number of grains per panicle (g), number of un-filled grains per panicle (g), sterility percentage (%), 1000 grain weight (g) and seed yield per plant (g). This study provides information about the variability and heritability measures which may supplement the breeding program to break the yield plateaus.