High Heritability Estimates Research Articles

Estimation of genetic variability parameters and trait association in cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme)

Cherry tomatoes are the smaller version of classic tomatoes but are valued for their sweet taste and captivating colors. They are highly favored by the urban elite and the chefs catering to high-profile restaurants. To formulate selection criteria for utilization in breeding programs, variability parameters, an association between different characters, and direct and indirect effects of component traits of 29 cherry tomato genotypes were assessed under polyhouse conditions. Sufficient genetic variability was found for the morphological and yield traits studied, as revealed by the variance analysis. Plant height, primary branches per plant, days to 50 percent flowering, flower clusters per plant, flowers per cluster, fruits per cluster, days to first harvest, fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight, locules per fruit, pericarp thickness, days to final harvest, yield per plant, total soluble solids, lycopene, ascorbic acid, reducing sugars and non-reducing sugars showed high estimates of heritability and genetic advance as percent of the mean. Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant positive relationship between fruit yield per plant and pericarp thickness (0.727), fruit length (0.685), fruit girth (0.536), fruit weight (0.530), and the number of fruits per cluster (0.386). Principal component analysis identified the primary component (PC1) as the main contributor to variance. Path analysis revealed that fruit length, pericarp thickness, number of fruits per plant, flowers per cluster, and fruit weight had the highest direct effect on yield. These traits were the key factors influencing fruit yield per plant in cherry tomatoes.

Unravelling genetic variability for yield and contributing characteristics in green gram [vigna radiata (L.) wilczek] germplasm

Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] is an essential crop for food, feed, and income generation in rice-based farming systems across Southeast Asia and other regions. Its popularity stems from its good taste, high nutritional value, and ease of digestion, making it a promising crop for enhancing livelihoods. However, despite its significance, mungbean productivity remains low, primarily due to environmental stresses and a lack of sufficient genetic variability. This study examines the variability, heritability, phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation, and genetic advance among yield-contributing traits in green gram germplasm. A total of 450 germplasm lines were evaluated alongside check varieties, revealing significant variation, with the analysis of variance showing notable differences across nearly all traits. The mean sum of squares for the germplasm was highly significant for all phenotypic traits. Several traits exhibited high estimates of heritability and genetic advance, viz., the number of branches/ plants, number of clusters/ plants, number of pods/ clusters, pod length, test weight, and seed yield/plant, indicating their potential for direct selection in breeding programs. These findings suggest that additive gene effects play a dominant role in controlling these traits, with minimal environmental influence, making simple phenotypic selection an effective approach. The results provide valuable insights for advancing green gram breeding programs focused on improving yield and quality through targeted hybridization and trait selection.

Estimation of Genetic Parameters in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes Evaluated Under High Temperature Yield Trial in Ethiopia

The study was carried out to estimate genetic parameters of 49 bread wheat genotypes and standard check evaluated at Kulumsa and Melkasa using alpha lattice design with two replications. The analysis of variance result showed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all traits (P< 0.001), implying the presence of considerable genetic variability for these traits. Out of 50 genotypes, four genotypes such as EBW2113062, EBW2113039, EBW2113037 and EBW2113056 were the top yielding genotypes across the locations. Furthermore, 30 of the 50 genotypes gave grain yield above grand mean whereas 14 genotypes had grain yield above the check, Dursa(1295.05kg/ha). In the other word, about 60% of genotypes were with mean grain yield above the overall mean and 30% of them provided mean grain yield above the check, Dursa, variety. High and moderate heritability estimates were found for most of traits showing that the variation observed was mainly under genetic control. The highest PCV and GCV values were observed for grain yield at both locations indicating better opportunity for improvement in this trait via selection. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was generally higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all characters at both locations. The difference between PCV and GCV was large in TKW followed by PHT and Grain yield indicating that these traits are influenced by the environment. However, differences between them were small for most of the traits indicating low effect of environment on the expression of characters at both locations. The genotypic correlations between grain yield with thousand kernel weights and hectoliter weight were highly significant showing their important contribution to grain yield. Therefore, the identified genotypes with better performance could be utilized in advanced bread wheat yield trial targeted for high temperature condition in the country.

Parameter Estimation of Host Genomic and Gut Microbiota Contribution to Growth and Feed Efficiency Traits in Meat Rabbits.

Rabbits can efficiently utilize plant fibers that are indigestible to humans, and hence may contribute to the alleviation of feed-food competition. Therefore, it is economically and ecologically important to genetically improve the growth performance and feed efficiency of meat rabbits. In this study, we combined pedigree, genomic, and gut microbiota data to estimate genetic and microbial parameters for nine growth and feed efficiency traits of 739 New Zealand White rabbits, including body weight (BW) at 35 (BW35), 70 (BW70), and 84 (BW84) days of age, and average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and residual feed intake (RFI) within two age intervals of 35-70 days (ADG70, FCR70, and RFI70) and 35-84 days (ADG84, FCR84, and RFI84). Based on single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction, three BW traits and two ADG traits had the high estimates (±standard error, SE) of heritability, ranging from 0.44 ± 0.13 of BW35 to 0.66 ± 0.08 of BW70. Moderate heritabilities were observed for RFI70 (0.22 ± 0.07) and RFI84 (0.29 ± 0.07), whereas the estimates did not significantly deviate from zero for the two FCR traits. There was moderate positive genetic correlation (±SE) between BW70 and ADG70 (0.579 ± 0.086), but BW70 did not correlate with RFI70. Based on microbial best linear unbiased prediction, the estimates of microbiability did not significantly deviate from zero for any trait. Based on the combined use of genomic and gut microbiota data, the parameters obtained in this study could help us to implement efficient breeding schemes in meat rabbits.

Inter and intra cross variability analysis in F3 generation of mung bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

Abstract The present investigation was conducted to evaluate 12 crosses of mungbean genotypes for 11 characters to access the extent of genetic variability and to comprehend the heritable aspect of variation for grain yield and its related characters. All the 12 crosses were raised in a compact family block design with three replications in two environments during the kharif season of 2022. The analysis of variance indicated significant variations among the families for grain yield and all other characters in both environments. Conversely, differences among the progenies within a family varied depending on specific trait and environment (E1) to environment (E2). Inter cross variability revealed high GCV and PCV for primary branches per plant in both environments. High estimates of PCV were recorded for pods per plant and grain yield per plant in both environments and for clusters per plant in E2. High estimates of heritability were exhibited by primary branches per plant in both the environments and plant height in E1. High estimates of genetic advance as per cent of mean were observed for primary branches per plant and plant height in both environments. Inter cross variability revealed that the highest magnitude of heritability was recorded by family C1 and C7 for grain yield per plant in E1 and E2 respectively. The highest magnitude of genetic advance as per cent of mean was exhibited by family C3 for primary branches per plant in E1 and by family C12 for clusters per plant in E2. Keywords: Genetic variability, Inter cross variability, Heritability, Mungbean

Estimation of genetic variability and association of yield and related traits in indigenous grain amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.) genotypes

Twenty-five genotypes of grain amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.) were tested during the rabi 2019-20, for genetic factors such as genetic variability, correlation, and path analysis. For each of the 13 characters under study, the results of the analysis of variance revealed a significant variation among the genotypes. Characteristics with high GCV and PCV were the leaf area, biological yield per plant, number of branches per plant, harvest index, plant height, stem diameter and grain yield per plant. The biological yield per plant, leaf area, number of branches per plant, harvest index, length of inflorescence, girth of inflorescence, stem diameter, plant height, grain yield per plant, days to 50% flowering, and days to maturity showed high estimates of heritability along with high genetic advance. Therefore, choosing such traits will be more beneficial. At the genotypic and phenotypic levels, there was a positive and highly significant correlation between the characters days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity, plant height, length of inflorescence, stem diameter, leaf area, biological yield per plant and grain yield per plant. Based on the results of the path co-efficient analysis high direct influence was observed between grain yield and the days to 50% flowering, plant height, inflorescence length and girth of inflorescence, number of branches per plant, and biological yield per plant. Keywords: Correlation, Grain amaranth, Genetic variability, Heritability, Path co-efficient analysis

INTERRELATION OF YIELD AND ITS COMPONENTS IN COTTON (Gossypium hirsutum L.) GENOTYPES

Cotton is regarded as a profitable crop that gives people fiber and shelter. Research focuses on how yield, its components, and related attributes work together to enhance cotton. During the Kharif season of 2022, the present study was completed, implementing a randomized complete block design with ten genotypes and three replications. The study took place at the Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA), located in Tandojam. This work aimed to examine the correlation and regression between upland cotton genotypes and heritability estimates for traits associated with yield. The outcomes showed that all of the parameters in the mean square of the ANOVA were significant. In contrast to the remaining genotypes, genotype FH-142 displayed the most favorable performance; it had the tallest plants, more sympodial branches, more bolls per plant, an improved seed index, and the longest staple length. The genotype CRIS-342 came in second, exhibiting good plant height, sympodial branches, a good number of bolls per plant, a ginning outturn, and the highest boll weight among the other genotypes. The findings of the correlation and regression indicated that the number of bolls per plant-1 had a highly significant and positive relationship with monopodial branches plant-1 (r = 0.73*) and (b = 2.45) and that the number of bolls per plant had a strong relationship with seed cotton yield plant-1 (r = 0.83**) and (b = 3.29). Staple length and seed cotton yield plant-1 had a negative correlation (-0.77*) with regression (b = -4.58). The highest heritability estimates in the broad sense are for monopodial branch plants (84.61), ginning outturn% (97.03), bolls plant-1 (93.96), plant height (90.70), staple length (79.31), and seed index (71.42). However, the boll's weight showed a low heritability (23.71). Further breeding programs can utilize genotype FH-142 to increase the number of sympodial branches, increase the number of boll plants, and improve the staple length. Genotype CRIS-342 can be utilized for medium-stature plant height, boll weight, and better ginning outturn. However, genotype NIA-BT-40 can be utilized for short-strategy plants with the highest ginning output.

Heritability and Genetic Advance Studies on Fruit Yield and It’s Attributes Traits in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

The present investigation was conducted at the Main Vegetable Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during the period of 2023-2024. The experimental material comprised twelve generations viz., P1, P2, F1, F2, B1, B2, B11, B12, B21, B22, B1S and B2S of four families involving eight diverse cultivars of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) used to study the heritability and genetic advance of brinjal for yield and shoot and fruit borer incidence. The experiment was laid out in a compact family block design with three replications. Higher magnitude of heritability along with a higher value of genetic advance as per cent mean was estimated for day to first flowering in family 2, plant height in family 1 and family 4, leaf blade length in family 4, leaf blade width in family 2, fruit length in all families, fruit girth in family 3 and 4, fruit weight in all families expect to family 2, fruits per plant in family 2, fruit yield per plant in all families expect family 4 and shoot and fruit borer incidence in family 2 which suggested preponderance of additive gene effect. The higher value of heritability coupled with the higher value of genetic advance shows higher selection efficiency, permitting plant breeders to efficiently select individuals or groups of individuals. In crops like brinjal, high narrow sense heritability estimates are particularly beneficial for developing enhanced varieties through the fixation of additive gene effects.

Bayesian approach to estimate variance components and genetic parameters of average daily gains and Kleiber ratios in crossbred cattle.

The present study aimed to estimate variance components and genetic parameters of the average daily gains from birth to 3-months (ADG1), 3- to 6-months (ADG2), 6- to 9-months (ADG3) and 9- to 12-months (ADG4) of age and corresponding Kleiber ratios (KR1, KR2, KR3 and KR4, respectively) in Jersey crossbred calves. Data for this study were collected from National Dairy Research Institute, Eastern Regional Station, Kalyani, West Bengal, India during 2013 to 2021. Genetic parameters for the traits were estimated using Bayesian procedure through Gibbs sampling by fitting six animal models. The deviance information criterion (DIC) was employed to determine the most appropriate model for each trait under investigation. Direct heritability estimates for ADGs and KRs ranged from 0.19 (ADG3) to 0.59 (ADG2) and 0.14 (KR3) to 0.72 (KR1), respectively. Significant maternal heritability ( ) was observed for average daily gains (17-24%) and Kleiber ratios (13-18%) at different age intervals under the best model. Estimates of permanent environmental effects ( ) of dam for ADG1, ADG2, KR2 and KR4 were only 1-4% of the total phenotypic variance in this study. Large negative estimates of correlations, ranging from -0.87 to -0.98, between direct and maternal ) effects for ADGs and KRs (except KR3) at different age intervals were observed. Total heritability ( ) and maternal repeatability ) of the studied traits ranged 0.05-0.28 and 0.01-0.14, respectively. The moderate to high heritability estimates for all traits in this study indicate the possibility of genetic progress for these traits through selective breeding program.

Assessment of Heritability and Genetic Advance for Yield and Yield Related Traits under Different Dates of Sowing of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a self-pollinating annual plant extensively grown as staple food source in the world. Information on the extent of heritability and genetic advance among different traits of bread wheat genotypes is essential to designing breeding strategies with the objective to estimate heritability and genetic advance for different characters of bread wheat genotypes. A total of 10 bread wheat genotypes were evaluated for 15 traits sown, three at different dates in 10 days interval The first on 30 November 2022, second on 10 December 2022, and third 20 December 2022 in a Randomized Block Design with three replications at Student Instruction Farm, C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur-208002 (U.P.) during Rabi, 2022-23. in Randomized Block Design. High PCV and GCV were observed from biological yield, grain yield, plant height and productive tiller per plant high heritability estimate were recorded for grain yield per plant followed by biological yield per plant, plant height, days to 50% heading, days to maturity, number of productive tillers per plant, 1000-grain weight and number of grains per ear in both generations on individual and grain yield per plant followed by biological yield, number of productive tillers per plant, plant height, seed hardness, days to maturity in both generations on pooled basis. High genetic advance was observed for grain yield per plant and biological yield per plant in both the generation; seed hardness, number of productive tillers per plant in F1 generation and grain yield per plant and biological yield per plant in both the generation on pooled basis. Consequently, since additive gene action controls the phenotypic manifestation of certain features, those traits should receive special attention in wheat breeding programs. Grain yield will therefore be increased by direct selection for these features.

Genomic evaluation for body weight, length and growth estimates in meagre Argyrosomus regius

Meagre (Argyrosomus regius) is a fast-growing sciaenid species which recently received a rising interest in aquaculture diversification and industry sustainability. The present study illustrates the first complete genomic evaluation of meagre for body weight, length and growth parameters using 810 offspring genotyped with a double-digest RAD sequencing approach. Offspring were assigned to both parents using SNP markers and a QTL associated with growth explaining approximately 3.25 % of the phenotypic variance was found. Using pedigree and genomic relationship matrix, moderate to high heritability estimates along with high genetic/genomic correlations between all studied traits were detected with the exception of the initial body weight. The predicted ability of the breeding values was higher using the genomic than the pedigree relationship matrix for body weight and growth. Present findings provide a better genetic insight of the production traits, as well as evidence that the implementation of the genomic information in breeding programs could be beneficial for the parental assignment as well as for the aquaculture production increase through genetic improvement using marker assisted or genomic selection.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity for Yield Component Traits and Grain Yield of Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper

Due to its high nutritional content and ability to supply a diet rich in protein, pulses hold a special place in Indian agriculture. In contrast to the world's production of cereals, pulses are grown seldom in low-fertile soils under conditions of moisture stress, which eventually hides their actual yield capability due to inadequate management approaches. The current study's objective is to estimate the genetic parameters of 13 yield attributing traits in 20 genotypes of urd bean to choose more yield-contributed characters in urd bean. Number of pods per plant revealed high estimates of PCV, GCV and heritability. In the Metroglyph study, superimposition of genotypes was seen because to the near closeness of two variables used to display the genotypes. In this classification analysis made based on number of pods per plant and harvest index for all the 20 genotypes of urd bean form four complexes. Out of 20 genotypes, 4 genotypes like IC-331226, IC-261173, IC-385718, and IC-426495 were recorded highest index score and fell into different complex, hence used as parents for getting good combinations for future hybridization programmes.

Genetic and environmental impact on variation in the palatal dimensions in permanent dentition: a twin study.

The objective of this study was to assess the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to variation in palatal parameters in twins with completed maxillary growth. The subjects of this study comprised digital dental casts of 50 monozygotic and 35 dizygotic twin pairs. The subjects' average age was 17.95 ± 2.83years. Zygosity determination was carried out using 15 specific DNA markers and an amel fragment of the amelogenin gene. The interdental distances were measured between selected dental landmarks at the occlusal and gingival planes. The palatal height, surface area and volume were measured between the gingival plane and the midpalate suture. High heritability estimates were observed for all transverse intra-arch measurements. The palate height (a2 = 0.8), dental arch width in the molar area (a2 = 0.86), palatal surface area (a2 = 0.61) and palate volume (a2 = 0.69) were under strong additive genetic control. Moderate genetic dominance was observed for dental arch widths at the gingival line in the canine (d2 = 0.5) and premolar regions (d2 = 0.78-0.81). Sexual dimorphism was shown, with males exhibiting a greater arch width, palate surface area and volume than females (p < 0.01). The majority of palate parameters variation in twins was controlled by genetic effects, and most were highly heritable.

Genetic Variability and Cluster Analysis of Faba Bean (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Vicia faba&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) Genotypes in Debre Tabor, Northwestern Ethiopia

Faba bean, a globally important pulse, offers genetic variation for plant breeders, although information on this variability is scarce in Ethiopia. Therefore, the study was conducted to assess the genetic variability of genotypes using 49 genotypes with 7 × 7 simple lattice designs. The experiment was conducted at in Fogera National Rice Research and Training Center at Debre Tabor research site in north western Ethiopia. Analysis of variance revealed that there were highly significant differences among forty-nine genotypes for all studied traits (days to flowering, days to maturity, grain filling period, number of branch, plant height, pod per plant, biomass yield, harvest index, hundred seed weight, chocolate spot and seed yield). High GCV and PCV was observed in pod per plant and chocolate spot both at genotypic and phenotypic level including number of branch at phenotypic level. Moderate to high heritability estimates were observed in all studied traits. A high genetic advance in percent of mean was observed in the number of branches per plant, the number of pods per plant, grain yield, seed weight, and chocolate spot. In conclusion, the study found that the ET 07013-1 and ET 07005-1 genotypes are potential for future breeding programs, but further experimentation across locations and seasons is needed. It is recommended to give much attention to traits with high heritability and GAM, which include the number of branches per plant, the number of pods per plant, grain yield, hundred seed weight, and chocolate spot. The best genotypes should be included in future breeding programs to maximize yield even further. It is recommended to closely monitor traits with high heritability and high GAM.

Assessment of Genetic Variability in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Genotypes

The present investigation was carried out at New Orchard, Main Agricultural Research Station, UAS, Raichur, during late Kharif 2021-22 using thirty-one genotypes and laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. High magnitude GCV and PCV were reported for the traits viz., fruit yield per hectare, fruit yield per plant, number of fruits per plant, plant height, leaf area per plant, number of ridges on fruit surface, fruit girth and fibre content indicates that maximum variability exists in these traits. The traits viz., number of nodes per plant, fruit length, ten fruits weight, shelf-life, stem girth, harvesting period and first flowering node recorded the medium GCV and PCV values. While, low GCV and PCV values were observed for the characters viz., number of leaves per plant, chlorophyll content, days to 50 per cent flowering and days to first flowering showing little variability for these characters. High heritability accompanied by high genetic advance over per cent mean was observed for number of ridges on fruit surface, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per hectare, fruit girth, leaf area per plant, plant height, number of nodes per plant, fruit length, fibre content, stem girth and ten fruits weight which indicates additive gene effects and selection based on these characters may be effective. Hence, characters showing high to moderate values of PCV, GCV and high estimate of heritability and genetic advance as per cent mean were considered as most important characters and selection of these traits will be more effective in improvement of fruit yield per plant.

Assessment of Genetic Variability and Component Relationship of Seed Yield and Its Contributing Traits in Greengram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)

After pigeonpea and chickpea, greengram is the third most significant pulse crop in Asia. Pulses are the primary source of protein needed to satisfy both the daily need and the daily consumption for a balanced diet. Pulses are essential to achieving the diet's protein requirements for humans. Because they are the least expensive type of protein, they are referred to as poor people's meat. It is the primary source of vital amino acids for India's vegetarian population. There are twenty genotypes of Greengram in this experiment, plus one check. Three replications of the experiment were carried out at RBD during the month of Zaid in 2023. Thirteen characters' worth of data were collected in order to investigate genetic advancement, variability, heritability, correlation, and path analysis. The majority of the traits under study have significant genetic diversity in the available germplasm, according to analysis of variance. According to the mean performance of grain yield and its constituents, CO-7 performed better than AMULYA, SML-20-10, and IPM-2-14. A detailed examination of the variability coefficients showed that there was no environmental influence on the expression of the traits under study, as evidenced by the small difference between PCV and GCV. For biological yield, number of pods per plant, and number of seed yield per plant, high to moderate estimations of GCV &amp; PCV were noted. For the seed index, plant height, harvesting index, and quantity of seeds per pod, high estimates of heritability were noted. Since they are less affected by environmental factors and have a greater potential for genetic determination, high heritability estimates can be used for genetic improvement. For the seed index, number of branches per plant, and number of clusters per plant, low estimations of genetic advance were noted. According to correlation, plant height, major branches per plant, clusters per plant, pods per plant, biological yield, and harvest index all positively and significantly correlated with grain yield per plant. Path analysis revealed that plant height, cluster size per plant, biological yield, and harvest index have a direct impact on yield at both the phenotypic and genotypic levels. These characteristics are therefore acknowledged as the effective and prospective characteristics for direct selection in order to increase Greengram productivity in the current experimental materials.

Genetic Variability and Character Association Analysis in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Saline Water Condition

The study was conducted to evaluate eight germplasms/varieties of wheat during the rabi season (November-April, 2022–23) using a randomized block design with three replications at the research farm of Agricultural Research Sub-Station (ARSS), Nagaur (Rajasthan), India to estimate the variability parameters and characters association for nine characters. The results were revealed that mean sum of squares due to genotypes showed significant differences for all the nine characters under study, suggested that the genotypes were genetically divergent. The phenotypic coefficient of variation values was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation values for all the nine traits which reflect the influence of environment on the expression of traits. Spike length and number of spikelets were showed higher PCV and medium GCV. High heritability estimates were recorded for all the nine characters. High genetic advance as percentage of mean along with high heritability was observed for number of spikelets, spike length, number of effective tillers plant-1, seed yield and number of grains spike-1. This indicated the existence of lesser environmental influence and prevalence of additive gene action in their expression and these traits possessed high selective value. These characters could be further improved through individual plant selection. Grain yield had highly significant and positive genotypic and phenotypic correlations with plant height, number of effective tillers plant-1, spike length, number of spikelets and number of grains spike-1. These characters can be considered as criteria for selection for higher grain yield as these were mutually and directly associated with grain yield.

Genetic parameters and correlations for behavioural response traits towards humans in South African Black ostriches

ABSTRACT 1. The aim of this study was to estimate heritability and genetic correlations, first among behavioural responses of juvenile South African Black ostriches towards humans and secondly with slaughter weight and skin traits. 2. Behavioural traits, such as willingness of the birds to approach humans, keeping a distance from the human observer and allowing touch interactions by a human were recorded (n = 1012 birds). In addition, slaughter weight, skin size, scores for nodule size, nodule shape and the presence of hair follicles were recorded. 3. Single- and multi-trait animal model analyses performed on the data using ASReml4 revealed high heritability estimates of 0.44 for allowing touch interactions and 0.48 for both willingness to approach and keeping a distance from the human observer. In addition, significant genetic correlations among behavioural response traits were estimated, ranging from −0.99 between keeping a distance and willingness to approach the human observer, to 0.87 between allowing touch interactions and willingness to approach the human observer. 4. In contrast, genetic correlations of behavioural response traits with most slaughter and skin traits were low, variable, and not significant. The exception was hair follicle score, which appeared to be unfavourably correlated with key behavioural traits. 5. This study suggested that the temperament of ostriches could be improved by selection of birds that demonstrate willingness to associate with humans without compromising slaughter weight or skin traits.

Heritability estimates for growth and salt-resistance traits of Urechis unicinctus

The echiura worm Urechis unicinctus has high economic and nutritional value and has emerged as a promising species for aquaculture development. Selective breeding plays a crucial role in enhancing growth and production, and estimating the narrow-sense heritability is the initial step in implementing selective breeding programs. To assess the proportion of additive genetic variation in growh and salt-tolerance traits, this study used 20 families to measure genetic parameters for growth traits at the 100-day and 200-day stages (weight, length, and width) and two salinity conditions (high and low salt). For growth traits, moderate to high heritability estimates were observed at both the 100-day and 200-day stages, ranging from 0.24 ± 0.08 (body width) to 0.42 ± 0.12 (body weight) and 0.40 ± 0.11 (body width) to 0.72 ± 0.16 (body weight), respectively. The genetic and phenotypic correlation coefficients between these traits were found to be intermediate to high across the two testing periods, and these results were supported by significant Pearson correlation (P < 0.01). Regarding salt-tolerance traits, different families exhibited varying survival times under salinity stress, indicating distinct viability responses. The heritability estimates for high-salt and low-salt tolerance were 0.73 ± 0.22 and 0.16 ± 0.06, respectively. The genetic correlation coefficients between salt tolerance and body weight were 0.39 ± 0.16 and 0.89 ± 0.05. Additionally, a positive Pearson correlation was observed between these traits (P < 0.01), suggesting the feasibility of indirect breeding. Overall, these findings indicate the presence of genetic variation in the growth and salt-tolerance traits of U. unicinctus and highlight the potential for genetic improvement through selective breeding techniques. The results provide valuable information to guide effective selection of U. unicinctus.

Studies on Estimates of Heritability and Genetic Advance for Certain Quantitative Traits in Fieldpea (Pisum sativum L. var. arvense)

Twenty two field pea genotypes were evaluated for estimation of variability, heritability and genetic advance. The Fieldpea genotypes were sown in, Randomized Block Design with three replications at the experimental farm of department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Kamla Nehru Institute of Physical and Social Sciences Sultanpur 228118 (U.P.) India, during Rabi, season 2022-2023. Phenotypic data were recorded for nine characters viz. days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, 100-grain weight, grain yield per plant and biological yield per plant. It was reported that in general the value of phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) is slightly higher than the value of genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV) indicating the importance of environment in the phenotypic performance of the genotypes studied. The maximum value of GCV was observed for plant height (31.94), grain yield per plant (20.02). High estimates of heritability in broad sense (h2b) were recorded for plant height (97.28), days to 50% flowering (83.96), 100-grain weight (78.48) and days to maturity (64.83). High estimates of genetic advance as percent of mean were recorded for plant height (64.89), 100-grain weight (25.28) and grain yield per plant (25.15). Thus, the characters (plant height, days to 50% flowering, 100-grain weight etc) having high value of GCV, heritability as well as genetic advance may be exploited in Fieldpea breeding program for further improvement in grain yield.