Genetic variability and relatedness among yield characters in rice landraces and improved varieties

Sixty-nine cultivars of rice were examined for fourteen biometrical characteristics to study the degree genetic divergence, heritability and gain as a percentage mean, character relationship path coefficient analysis. Yield per plant reported highest estimate PCV GCV followed by total effective tillers plant, hundred seed weight, number filled seedsper panicle flag leaf length indicating that these traits may be given importance while exercising selection. Plant height, length,total tillers, length, grain L/B ratio, seeds weight yield exhibited remarkable high heritability, implying predominance additive gene action. Hence, advancement through simple selection would more beneficial. Among examined, days 50% flowering,total tillersper breadth, panicle, hundred-seed recorded positive significant correlation with direct effects on asserting most efficient promising criteria. Keywords: Rice, PCV, GCV, gain, effects&nbsp