Estimation of genetic variability in recombinant inbred lines of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for yield and yield component traits

The overall objective was to study the extent of genetic variation and association among grain yield and yield related traits. Two hundred ten recombinant inbred lines of bread wheat from the cross of WH542 X WH711, together with their parents were evaluated for two years 2015-16 and 2016-17 using Randomized Block Design with three replications. Thus there was a high magnitude of genotypic variability for all the characters under study among the recombinant inbred lines of bread wheat under both years. The phenotypic coefficients of variation values were higher than genotypic coefficients of variation values. Low values for GCV and PCV and medium to low values of heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean for 100-grain weight, number of spikelets per ear, harvest index, days to heading and days to maturity over the year. Heritability in broad sense and genetic advance was observed in low category for days to heading and days to maturity indicated low chances of selection due to low genetic variability. High values of GCV and medium PCV was observed for grain yield per plant and biological yield. Heritability in broad sense and genetic advance as percent of mean was observed in high category for both the traits over the years. Based on these result, we cannot reach to the final decision. But it can be used as a bench mark for further study. Therefore, it needs additional study over several years and multi locations.