Studies on genetic variability in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under multipleenvironments in Northern western Himalayas

Abstract

One of the most significant cereal crops in world is wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) which accounts for one-third of all cereal crops. The level of genetic variability in a crop species has a significant impact on the potential of successful crop improvement program. In order to assess the level of genetic variation, sixty-six bread wheat genotypes were examined in a- RBD with three replications at three different agro-ecological zones of Himachal Pradesh. Phenotypic data was recorded for eight characters namely days to 50% flowering, days to 75% maturity, plant height(cm), tillers per plant (no.), peduncle length (cm), grain yield per plant (g), biological yield per plant (g)and thousand kernel weight (g).The analysis of variance found that there were significant differences in all environments for all of the characters studied. For peduncle length, the highest value for GCV and PCV was observed (29.23 and 25.11% respectively). GCV, PCV, heritability, and genetic advance as % of mean were found to be moderate to high for two traits, peduncle length and thousand kernel weight; heritability broad sense (h²bs) and GA (%) of mean were found to be moderate to high for days to 50% flowering, days to 75% maturity, plant height, peduncle length, and thousand kernel weight. Showing crucial involvement of additive gene action and selection will be efficient for these characters.