Analysis of Genetic Variability for Leaf and Yield Traits in Diverse Rice Germplasm

Ninety-nine genotypes from an association mapping panel comprising landraces, exotic genotypes, and improved varieties were evaluated for leaf and yield traits in rice. The data of plant height, number of leaves, single leaf area, single-leaf weight, leaf mass area, leaf area index (LAI), leaf angle, yield, and biomass were subjected to analysis of variance that showed significant differences among the genotypes. The genetic variability among the genotypes and the co-efficient of variation was high for all the traits analyzed except leaf mass area with 17.47%. A high coefficient of variation was recorded in the number of leaves and grain yield per plant with 42.68 and 38.55%, respectively. Frequency distribution for these traits showed that the genotypes in the category of 4 to 12 LAI fall in the category of 30 to 90g of grain yield. Most of the traits showed symmetrical skewness and mesokurtic distribution.Besides, the correlation coefficient of LAI had a significantly positive correlation with leaf mass per area, leaf numbers, and biomass, indicating the importance of the leaf area index in determining yield and biomass. Furthermore,single leaf area hada significant positive association with leaf angle, single-leaf weight, and plant heightand a negative correlation with leaf numbers and leaf mass area.The results revealed the highest genetic variability and association between two or more variables among this rice germplasm. These genotypes could act as a reservoir of variation that could possibly be utilized for improving specific traits in crop improvement programs