Selection criteria parameters for improving seed yield in hulled barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under north-western Himalayan conditions

Abstract

Knowledge of variability is crucial for predicting how much variation operates in genetic material for formulating an effective breeding plan. The experimental material, consisted of 28 F 1s developed by crossing 8 commercial varieties, germplasm, or local lines as per diallel mating design (excluding reciprocals) and further laid out in randomized block design along with parents with three replications during rabi 2019-20 to study genetic variability parameters, correlation and path analysis. Sufficient genetic variability was observed for all the characters studied. Estimates of variability indicated high values of phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation for biological yield per plant and seed yield per plant. High heritability values coupled with high genetic advance were found for 1000 grain weight indicating prevalence of additive gene action, which provides good scope for further improvement by selection. Correlation studies revealed that seed yield per plant had significant and positive association with biological yield, spike length, number of tillers per plant, number of grains per spike, 1000 grain weight, plant height, days to maturity and harvest index. Path analysis indicated that traits such as biological yield per plant, harvest index, 1000 grain weight, number of grains per spike and peduncle length directly or indirectly influenced seed yield and may be selected for further improvement in seed yield of barley.Among all these traits, biological yield per plant and harvest index were found useful selection parameters and can be considered as potential indices for improvement of seed yield in future breeding programmes in barley.