Estimation of genetic parameters in indigenous rice

Significant genetic variability was observed among 22 genotypes of indigenous rice for yield and quality contributing traits viz., number of spikelets per panicle, test weight, grain yield per hill, volume expansion ratio, head rice recovery, kernel length and length breadth ratio, indicating that there is presence of sufficient amount of variability in the study material and there is scope of selection. On the basis of mean performance of yield and yield contributing traits it was concluded that "Indrani" was the best performer for both yield and quality which was at par with the hieghest yielder genotype Jhumeri. For quality parameters Narendra-359 and Indrani were good, milling percentage of Lohandi was best followed by Bayalu & Dudagi general types. The results showed that PCV (phenotypic coefficient of variance) in general was higher than GCV (genotypic coefficient of variation) for various characters. However the difference between GCV and PCV was low for most of the characters studied. This indicates less degree of environmental influence on manifestation of these characters. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance were recorded for number of spikelets per panicle, hulling percentage, milling percent and head rice recovery indicated the major role of additive gene action in the inheritance of these character and these characters could be improved by selection in segregating generation. Thus, these characters may serve as an effective selection parameter during breeding programme for crop improvement.