Genetic Studies for Selected Agronomic Traits in 19 Maintainer Genotypes of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The current study was performed at MARDI Seberang Perai, Penang, Malaysia, during the Off Season 2020. This study aims to analyze genetic parameters, correlation, and path coefficient for 11 agronomic traits in 19 maintainer rice genotypes. All experimental units were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Observations were recorded for days to 50% flowering, plant height, culm height, panicle length, total panicle per plant, total spikelet per panicle, spikelet fertility, thousand-grain weight, grain length, grain width, and grain yield per plant. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences in the genotype factor for all assessed traits. The total spikelet per panicle trait exhibited the highest phenotypic and genotypic variance. Moreover, this trait had high broad-sense heritability and high genetic advance as percent of mean. Total panicle per plant recorded the highest value of phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation among traits under study and were classified as high and moderate, respectively. The traits association study revealed a significant positive correlation between grain yield per plant and two traits: total panicle per plant and spikelet fertility. Path analysis revealed a very high direct effect of plant height, culm height, and panicle length on grain yield per plant. This study contributes essential knowledge for the strategic design of effective breeding programs.