Genetic variability, heritability, and correlation analysis of rice (Oryza sativa) for iron and zinc content: Implications for biofortification and yield improvement
Author(s): Jambhulkar Rohit Kashinath, C Banu Teja and Dr. TJ Bhor
Abstract: Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a vital cereal crop, serving as the staple food for over half of the global population, particularly in Asia. However, widespread malnutrition persists, primarily due to the consumption of milled rice lacking in essential micronutrients such as iron and zinc. This study aimed to assess the genetic variability of 41 rice genotypes for 11 key traits, focusing on grain yield and nutritional content, particularly iron and zinc. Conducted during the kharif season of 2022 at the Agricultural Research Station, Vadgaon (Maval), Pune, the investigation evaluated variability, heritability, character associations, and path analysis. Results revealed significant variability among genotypes for all studied traits. Both genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation were notably high for grain yield per plant, grain iron content, grain zinc content, fertile spikelet’s per panicle, and total spikelet’s per panicle. Path analysis highlighted direct positive effects of total spikelet’s per panicle on grain yield per plant, indicating its importance in yield improvement. Additionally, days to 50% flowering exhibited positive correlations with grain yield per plant, mediated by indirect positive effects through test weight. Conversely, plant height demonstrated a negative direct correlation with grain yield per plant but had positive indirect effects through productive tillers per plant and grain yield per plant. Productive tillers per plant showed significant positive correlations with grain yield via indirect effects through various traits, underlining its role in enhancing yield.
