PJB-2003-75
GENETIC DIVERSITY IN WHEAT UNDER DIFFERENT CROP-ECOLOGICAL ZONES
MUHAMMAD ASHRAF, AFSARI SHARIF QURESHI* AND ABDUL GHAFOOR**
Abstract
Wheat germplasm comprising of 150 diverse genotypes was evaluated for four quantitative traits at five locations throughout the country viz., Islamabad, Faisalabad, Quetta, Tandojam and Peshawer. Differences among locations as well as genotypes were significant and CV was higher in grain yield as compared to other characters. High genetic variance (s2) was observed at all the locations that revealed the scope of selection for crop improvement. High heritibility (h2) was estimated for days to heading and plant height, medium for days to maturity and low for grain yield. Low heritability in grain yield might be due to high additive gene effects that is influenced by environments. Elite lines were identified for further utilization in the breeding programme. Limited scope of selection was observed for days to heading and days to maturity, hence genes for these important traits should be investigated or exploited from other sources i.e., hybridization, mutation. Large scale testing of broad base gene pool needs to be built up by making extensive collection and obtaining germplasm from abroad to develop a sound breeding programme.
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