Estimation of Heritability and Genetic Advance in F2 Populations of Wheat

Abstract

Estimation of heritability and genetic advance plays a pivotal role in selection. A set of 19 wheat genotypes comprised of seven parents and 12 F₂ populations were evaluated at The University of Agriculture-Peshawar during 2013-14 in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were recorded on days to 50% heading, days to maturity, plant height, flag leaf area, productive tillers plant^-1, spike length, biological yield plant^-1, spikelet spike^-1, grains spike^-1, grain yield plant^-1, and harvest index. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes, parents, and F₂ populations for all the studied traits while parent vs. F₂ population also revealed significant genetic variability for all the studied traits except plant height, spike length, and spikelet spike^-1. Low to moderate broad-sense heritability coupled with low genetic advance was observed for almost all the traits studied. Among Parents, Janbaz was the highest in productive tillers plant^-1, spikelet spike^-1, grains spike^-1, and grain yield plant^-1. Among F₂ population, Saleem-2000 × Barsat had the earliest 50% heading and maturity, Saleem-2000 × Watan, Tatara × Barsat, AUP-5008 × Fakhre Sarhad, and Janbaz × Barsat showed the shortest plant, large flag leaf area, long spikes, more productive tillers plant^-1, grain yield plant^-1, harvest index, biological yield plant^-1, and spikelet spike^-1. Saleem-2000 × Watan, Tatara × Barsat, AUP-5008 × Fakhre Sarhad and Janbaz × Barsat having a better performance for most of the traits and hence could be utilized in future wheat breeding programs.