Vol. 9, Issue 1, Part F (2025)

The study aimed to assess heritability, genetic variability, and genetic advance in the F₂ segregating population of a cross between drought-tolerant and drought-susceptible rice varieties (GNR-6 × NVSR-2272) for nine traits related to yield and drought tolerance. Experiments were conducted at the Regional Rice Research Station, Vyara, Gujarat, using 190 F₂ progenies during the summer of 2021. Traits were evaluated for genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), heritability, and genetic advance. Days to flowering and productive tillers per plant exhibited low GCV and PCV, indicating limited variability and minimal environmental influence. Traits such as panicle length and spikelet fertility showed moderate to high PCV, reflecting environmental impact. Notably, filled grains per panicle displayed high GCV (48.04%) and heritability (71.11%), emphasizing significant genetic variability and potential for improvement through selection. Grain yield per plant had moderate GCV (16.15%) but high PCV (90.89%), highlighting environmental dominance in trait expression. Genetic advance estimates revealed that traits such as filled grains per panicle offer substantial scope for yield enhancement, while others like panicle length and days to flowering may require integrated breeding and environmental strategies. Overall, the study underscores the importance of combining genetic insights with agronomic interventions to improve rice yield and drought resilience effectively.