Genetic variability studies in durum wheat (Triticum durum L.)

The study was conducted with thirty-two durum wheat genotypes along with four checks at the Wheat and Maize Research Unit, VNMKV, Parbhani during Rabi 2024-25. The experiment followed a randomized block design with two replications. Data were collected on yield and yield related traits to assess genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and correlation among characters. Analysis of variance indicated significant variation among genotypes for all ten traits studied, showing the presence of sufficient diversity. Grain yield per plant showed the highest genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation. High heritability along with high genetic advance was noted for grain yield per plant, harvest index, biological yield per plant and grains per spike, suggesting the role of additive gene action. Genotypic correlations were generally stronger than phenotypic ones, highlighting inherent genetic associations among traits. Grain yield per plant showed positive correlations with days to heading, days to maturity, productive tillers, biological yield and harvest index. These findings suggest that direct selection for these traits may lead to effective yield improvement in durum wheat.