Estimates of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for grain yield and other yield attributing traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Fifty two rice genotypes were evaluated in randomized block design for twelve metric traits to estimate the extent of genetic variability, heritability (broad sense) and genetic advance as per cent of mean. The analysis of variance revealed significant variability for all the characters studied. Among the 12 characters studied, high phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were recorded for the traits viz., panicle number per plant, weight of 1000 fully developed grains and grain yield plant-1 indicating that large amount of variation is present among the genotypes. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was recorded for time of heading (50% of plants with panicles), stem length (excluding panicle), panicle number per plant, weight of 1000 fully developed grains, decorticated grain width and grain yield plant-1 indicating that these traits were governed by additive gene effects and may be chosen as selection criteria for formulating breeding strategies in rice.