An evaluation of genetic variability in seedling vigour in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

This experiment was aimed to study whether genetic variability exists in the seedling vigour of 50 elite spring
wheat lines and also to study its correlation with yield and yield components. Analysis of variance reveals
significant difference for seedling vigour index as well as other yield and yield components. The phenotypic
coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was observed highest in seed yield
plot-1
, vigour index, 1000-seed weight and tillers m-2
. The highest heritability accompanied with genetic advance
was observed in seed yield plot-1
, seed vigour index, 1000-seed weight and spike length which is due to
additive gene action and direct selection for these traits would be rewarding. Seed vigour index had significant
and positive correlation with seed yield and other yield components except for spike length at both phenotypic
and genotypic level. This study revealed that seed vigour index is strongly under genetic control and has great
scope to be included in wheat breeding program as a selection parameter to assess stress tolerant as well as
vigorous genotypes.