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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. sp2 (2026): Recent Advances in Agriculture

Assessment of genetic variability, character association and path analysis for yield and its contributing characters in rice (Oryza sativa L.) under saline conditions

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.13140
Submitted
10 December 2025
Published
16-06-2026

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted to access genetic variability, trait association and their contribution to grain yield in rice under saline condition.  A total of 24 rice genotype including 4 check varieties CSR23, CSR36, CSR10 and NDR 2008 were evaluated during the kharif season of 2022 in a randomized block design (RBD) with 3 replications. Observation was recorded for 13 agronomic traits including flowering time, plant height, yield components and grain yield per plant. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for flag leaf area and grains per panicle indicating substantial variability among the genotype. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for days to 50 % flowering, days to maturity, grains per panicle and number of fertile spikelets per panicle suggesting the predominance of additive gene action. Grain yield per plant showed a significant positive correlation with harvest index and productive tillers. Path coefficient analysis revealed that harvest index and biological yield per plant exerted the highest positive direct effects on grain yield. Cluster analysis based on Mahalanobis D2 statistics, grouped the 24 genotypes into 5 distinct clusters indicating considerable genetic divergent. The results suggested that traits such as harvest index, biological yield and grain per panicle could be effective selection criteria for improving rice yield under saline environment.

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