Genetic Analysis and Heritability of Some Agronomic Traits in Some Bread Wheat: Insights for Breeding Improvement

Yassin, M. M. M.; Darwish, M. A. H.; Ahmed, Shaimaa M.; Shehab El Deen, M. T.

doi:10.21608/jpp.2025.404302.1491

Genetic Analysis and Heritability of Some Agronomic Traits in Some Bread Wheat: Insights for Breeding Improvement

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Wheat Research Department, Field Crops Research Institute (FCRI), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Egypt

² Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research institute, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt

10.21608/jpp.2025.404302.1491

Abstract

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum var. vulgare L.) globally is a significant cereal crops, playing a crucial role in food security. Breeding programs aim to enhance its yield potential, stress tolerance, and grain quality by leveraging genetic variability across generations. This study evaluates the genetic variation, heritability, and selection potential of key agronomic traits in F₃ and F₄ segregating populations derived from four wheat crosses: Line 1 × Misr 1, Line 1 × Sakha 95, Sakha 94 × Misr 1, and Sakha 94 × Sakha 95. The experiment was conducted at the Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Egypt, during the 2023/24 and 2024/25 growing seasons. Sixty F₃ families and fifty F₄ families per cross were grown in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed significant genetic variability in plant height, spikes per plant, kernels per spike, 100-kernel weight and grain yield, Analysis of variance indicated significant differences between crosses and generations, emphasizing the impact of genetic factors on yield-related traits. Estimates of phenotypic and genotypic variance, heritability, and genetic advance highlighted the inheritance potential of key traits. Lines derived from the Line 1 × Misr 1 cross demonstrated superior performance in grain yield and kernel traits, making it a promising candidate for future breeding programs. These findings provide valuable insights into selection strategies and genetic improvement for wheat breeding programs, aiding the development of high-yielding and stress-tolerant wheat varieties.

Keywords