Variability and inter-relationship among yield and quality parameters in bread wheat

Abstract

The present study was carried out with the objectives of assessing the genetic variability, estimating the association
between grain yield and its component traits and among themselves, which is essential to know the effectiveness of
selection for simultaneous improvement in these traits. The material consisting of 42 diverse genotypes of bread wheat
was grown in randomized block design with three replications in four environments created through manipulation
of sowing dates during rabi season 2007-2008 at Hisar as well as Bawal locations. The grain yield per plant showed
positive and significant correlation with effective tillers per plant, number of grains per ear, 1000 grain weight and
biological yield per plant. However, it showed negative significant correlation with plant height in one or more
environments. The path coefficient analysis revealed that biological yield per plant is the major contributor towards
the grain yield per plant. Hence, main emphasis should be given on biological yield in breeding programme.