Genetic Variability Studies and Screening for Blast Resistance in Elite Genotypes of Rice (Oryzasativa L.)

This research was performed at Agricultural and Horticultural Research station, Ponnampet, in the Indian state of Karnataka. 64 rice genotypes were included in this experiment, which were estimated to study heritability, genetic variability and genetic advance for yield in grains and four yield linked characters. During the 2013 kharif main cropping season, this test was performed using 6 × 6 simple lattice designs with two duplications (replications). Significant differences (p<0.05) were revealed by the analysis of variance statistically, which shows the genetic variability’s existence among the 64 genotypes for all the studied characteristics. For grain yield, substantial differences were noticed, which ranged from 1365.00 to 5675.00 kg/ ha and this is with the total mean value of 3840.00 kg/ha. Yield kg/ha exhibited higher PCV and GCV values that suggested the possibility of trait improvisation by selection. Maximum heritability was documented for days to 50% blooming followed by yield kg/ha, panicles per meter square and height of the plant. High genetic advance as means percentage and high to medium heritability combined with high GCV were presented for panicles per square metre, and height of plant. Maximum genetic advances in means percent was observed by yield kg per hectare, height of plan (cm), panicles per square metre, and days to flowering for fifty per cent. Large-scale screen was conducted for the genotypes of new rice blast resistance in 64 diverse rice accessions generating from the countries that are popular for rice-growing and it was observed that eight genotypes were resistant.