Genetic Variability and Heritability Estimates in F2 wheat Genotypes

ABSTRACT: This study was carried out to evaluate twenty one wheat genotypes for genetic variability in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) which was consisted on three replications under irrigated conditions at New Developmental Farm, of Agricultural University Peshawar, KPK, Pakistan, during 2010-2011. Data was recorded on days to 50% heading, days to maturity, plant height, number of fertile tillers plant-1, number of grains spike-1, number of spikelet spike-1, spike length and grain yield plant-1. Analysis of variance showed highly significant differences among the genotypes for days to heading and plant height, while non significant differences were recorded for days to maturity, number of fertile tillers plant-1, spike length, spikelet spike-1, grains spike-1 and grain yield plant-1. Plant height and days to heading were highly heritable with heritability values of 0.72 and 0.54, respectively, while days to maturity, number of fertile tillers plant-1, spike length, spikelet spike-1, grains spike-1 and grain yield plant-1 were low heritable with heritability values of 0, 0, 0.19, 0.37, 0.16, and 0.16, respectively. AUP-4006 was the best parent showing better performance for grain yield plant 1, and G-98 x AUP-4006 was the best cross combination. AUP-4006 and cross combination, G-98 x AUP-4006 can be recommended for further breeding programmes.