Genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under normal and moisture-stress conditions

Abstract

Thirty-five genotypes of wheat were evaluated in alpha RBD design for yield and yield contributing traits during rabi 2018-19 to find out genetic variability, correlations and direct and indirect effects. Significant genotypic variation was observed for all the 14 quantitative traits studied, indicating considerable amount of variation among genotypes. High heritability and genetic advance were observed for biomass at anthesis under both normal and moisture-stress conditions indicating that these characters are governed by additive gene effects and directional selection for these traits would be more effective. Flag leaf area under both normal and moisture-stress conditions and biomass at tillering under normal conditionsexhibited high heritability coupled with moderate genetic advance, indicating moderate expected genetic advance through selection. On the basis of correlation coefficients and path analysis, biomass at maturity and harvest index emerged to be the important selection criteria under both normal and moisture-stress conditions because they had a high direct effect and indirect effect by other traits on grain yield. Grains per spike, biomass at anthesis and stem reserve mobilization also appeared to be the important traits based on their direct or indirect contributions towards grain yield under moisture-stress conditions. Therefore, while exercising selection in wheat under moisture-stress conditions, characters biomass at maturity and harvest index must be given preference.