STUDY OF VARIABILITY IN BREAD WHEAT (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Central Research Farm, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur with 12 wheat genotypes collected International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Mexico during 2011-2012 to study their variability and select genotypes for improvement of wheat. There was significant variation for all the 13 characters studied indicating the presence of considerable variations for selection. All the genotypes were earlier in heading than Agrani. Heading days (HD), plant/ m” (PPM), spikelet per spike (SPS) and 1000 grains weight (TGW) exhibited high heritability coupled with a moderate genetic advance. These characters had also medium to high genotypic coefficient of variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation coupled with high to moderate heritability and genetic advance. So. selection on the basis of these characters. Grain yield had positive and highly significant association with heading days, maturity days and 1000 grains weight at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Grains per spike exhibited significantly negative association with grain yield per hectare. These results suggested that use of these traits in selecting high yielding genotypes would bring out good results and supplement empirical breeding approach.