Assessment of Genetic Variability, GCV and PCV through Line X Tester Mating Design Across F₁ and F₂ Generations of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Shivam Tripathi
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur- 208002 (Uttar Pradesh), India.
S.V. Singh *
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur- 208002 (Uttar Pradesh), India.
Vijay Kumar Yadav
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur- 208002 (Uttar Pradesh), India.
R.K. Yadav
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur- 208002 (Uttar Pradesh), India.
Lokendra Singh
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur- 208002 (Uttar Pradesh), India.
C.L. Maurya
Department of Seed Science and Technology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur- 208002 (Uttar Pradesh), India.
Utkarsh Tiwari
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur- 208002 (Uttar Pradesh), India.
Anuj Mishra
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur- 208002 (Uttar Pradesh), India.
Roshani Singh
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur- 208002 (Uttar Pradesh), India.
Rohit Kumar
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur- 208002 (Uttar Pradesh), India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The present investigation was conducted at the SIF Farm, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, during rabi seasons of 2023–24, CSAUAT, Kanpur, to assess genetic variability, genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Ten diverse lines and five testers were crossed in a line × tester mating design to produce F₁ hybrids, 20 seeds from each cross were sent for advancement during the kharif season of 2023 to generate F₂ populations source seed at IIWBR- Regional Station, Dalang Maidan (H.P) for cultivation in and off season nursery. Both F₁ and F₂ generations, along with parents, were evaluated in a randomized block design for thirteen characters. ANOVA revealed highly significant differences among parents, F₁s, and F₂s for most traits, confirming substantial genetic diversity. F₁ hybrids exhibited clear heterotic advantages for major yield components, while F₂ populations displayed wider ranges and useful segregation, indicating the presence of desirable recombinants. GCV and PCV estimates showed that PCV exceeded GCV for all traits in both generations, reflecting environmental influence. In both F1 and F2 generation moderate GCV and PCV for trait such as number of productive tillers per plant, biological yield per plant and grain yield per plant indicated strong genetic control and good prospects for selection. Traits with low GCV and PCV, including days to 75% heading, days to maturity, plant height, spike length, number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, protein content, 1000 grain weight and harvest index, showed limited variability and stronger environmental effects. Overall, the study highlights the effectiveness of hybridization followed by selection and identifies several yield-related traits with high potential for genetic improvement in wheat breeding programs.
Keywords: Genetic variability, segregation, selection, GCV and PCV