Unveiling the Complexity of Yield Traits through Genetic Variability, Correlation, and Path Analysis across Diverse Bread Wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) em. Thell] Germplasm

Abstract

Aims: To elucidate the genetic variability, correlation, and path analysis of various agronomic and morphological traits among fifty genotypes of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum (L.) em. Thell) to facilitate targeted breeding efforts. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in 2 replications. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted during the Rabi season of 2019 at Banaras Hindu University, India. Methodology: Fifty genotypes of bread wheat were evaluated for thirteen morphological traits. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation analysis, direct and indirect effects on grain yield per plot through path coefficient analysis were calculated. Assessed traits included biomass, harvest index, germination percentage, tillers per meter, days to flowering, plant height, and spike length. Genetic variability and heritability parameters were calculated for these traits. Genetic variability parameters were also calculated to determine the extent of variability and heritability for these traits. Results: The analysis of variance revealed significant genotypic differences for all studied traits. Correlation analysis highlighted intricate interrelationships among traits, with biomass exhibiting the highest positive direct effect on grain yield, followed by harvest index and germination percentage. In contrast, tillers per meter, days to flowering, and plant height had negative direct effects on yield. Genetic variability parameters indicated substantial variability for traits like harvest index and grain yield per plot, with spike length showing the highest heritability. Conclusion: The study highlights the complexity of grain yield determination, which is affected by various genetic and environmental factors. The results offer deeper insights into the genetic basis of yield-related traits in wheat, stressing the importance of selecting genotypes with beneficial trait combinations to boost yield potential.