Genetic variability and character association of yield, yield attributes and grain nutrient traits in Triticum species

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major global staple contributing approximately 35% to global food consumption. This study was conducted to assess genetic variability and correlations among morpho-physiological traits, yield components,and grain nutrients in 18 wheat genotypes at the Main Agricultural Research Station, UAS Dharwad, during the rabi seasonof 2023-24. The genotypes included bread wheat, durum wheat and diccocum wheat, representing different commerciallygrown wheat species in India. Genetic variability analysis revealed low genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation(GCV and PCV) for days to 50% flowering and days to maturity, indicating limited variability. In contrast, traits such as thenumber of productive tillers and peduncle length exhibited moderate to high GCV, PCV, heritability and genetic advance asa percentage of the mean (GAM), indicating significant genetic variability and strong selection potential.Correlation analysisidentified a positive relationship between grain yield and the number of grain per spike and biomass , while grain nutrienttraits such as iron and protein content exhibited a negative association with grain yield. These findings provide valuableinsights for developing wheat varieties with enhanced yield and grain quality.