Heritability and genetic variability estimates in F3 populations of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The wheat breeders are concentrating to improve the yield potential of bread wheat by developing new varieties with desirable genetic makeup in order to overcome the consumption pressure of the everincreasing human population. For resolving this situation, research was carried out on eight F3 populations along with their six parents grown in the Experimental Field. The experiment was carried out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. The characters studied were; plant height (cm), peduncle length (cm), tiller plant-1, spike length (cm), spikelets spike-1, grains spike-1, seed index (g), grain yield plant-1 (g), biological yield plant-1 (g) and harvest index (%). The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes, hybrids and parents vs. hybrids for all the traits studied. Such results signified the worth of breeding material for further exploitation. The present research indicated that based on average performance, F3 populations performed better than their parents for most of the traits studied. It means transgressive segregants were present in F3 populations. If the selection of such potential plants is successful, then they may be utilized for further improvement of bread wheat. The genetic parameters of F3 progenies indicated that cross TJ-83 x TD-1 displayed higher heritability estimates coupled with more genetic gains for plant height, spike length, spikelets per spike and grains per spike; TJ-83 x Sarsabz for tillers per plant and biological yield plant-1; TJ-83 x Moomal for peduncle length, grain yield per plant and harvest index and Moomal x TD-1 for seed index. These F3 populations may be kept on priority for selection from subsequent filial generations to improve the studied traits in bread wheat.