Unraveling the Genetic Architecture of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Using Variability, Correlation, Path analysis and Diversity Analysis: Insights for Crop Improvement Strategies

The present study aimed to assess the genetic architecture of rice through various biometrical techniques and this was achieved through a field experiment conducted during the Kharif 2022 season utilizing 23 distinct genotypes of rice. The trial was performed at the field experimentation center, Department of genetics and plant breeding, School of agriculture, Lovely Professional University. The research concluded that the highest genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were for the number of productive tillers per plant, grain L/B ratio and grain yield per plant. Additionally, high heritability was observed for all traits except for kernel breadth. The investigation also explains high genetic advance as a percent of the mean for all traits except spikelet fertility and kernel breadth. Grain yield per plant had a significant positive genotypic correlation with the number of productive tillers per plant, filled grains per panicle, and total number of grains. Path analysis revealed that kernel L/B ratio, kernel length, filled grains per panicle, total number of grains, and number of productive tillers per plant had the maximum positive direct effects. The study suggests that selection based on these traits could be more effective in improving rice yield. The germplasms falling in different clusters with high mean for grain yield and other component characters can be utilized for hybridization programme to obtain elite segregants.