Genetic variability and character association studies in Triticum species

Abstract

This study evaluated the variability and interrelationships among traits in 18 wheat genotypes, including10 checks and 8 advanced breeding lines, representing both Triticum aestivum L.(bread wheat) and Triticum durum (macaroniwheat). These species are vital to agriculture in the Indian subcontinent, with bread wheat primarily used for baking anddurum wheat for pasta production. The analysis revealed that the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was consistentlyhigher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) across most traits. Notably, traits such as grain yield, spike length,peduncle length, 1000-grain weight, and biomass exhibited high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as a percentageof the mean, underscoring the potential for effective selection to enhance these characteristics. Correlation analysis indicateda positive and significant association between grain yield and key traits, including the number of productive tillers, spikelength, and biomass. This suggests that targeted improvements in these traits could significantly boost grain yield in wheat.