Morphological Variability and Yield Traits Association In Backcross Derived Rice Population for Anaerobic Germination Tolerance

In the current study BC2F1 Backcross population derived from cross between DRR Dhan 60 (elite recurrent parent) and Kho (donor with anaerobic germination (AG) tolerance) was evaluated in an augmented block design along with parental checks for genetic variability and trait association for yield-related traits. The objective was to assess AG1 QTL introgression potential into DRR Dhan 60. Genetic parameters including phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation, broad sense heritability (h²bs), and genetic advance (GAM) were evaluated. Results revealed significant variability in key traits, with high heritability (>80%) for plant height (PH), panicle length, and kernel length. Grain yield per plant (GYP) showed strong positive correlation with Plant height (PH) and moderate correlations with flag leaf dimensions, suggesting these traits as effective selection markers. The population displayed recovered genetic background stability from DRR Dhan 60 while introducing AG1-derived variation. Findings demonstrate that Plant height and yield components are prime targets for direct selection, whereas other traits may require later-generation selection. This work provides a framework for developing climate-resilient, direct-seeded rice varieties.