Vol. 7, Issue 11, Part G (2025)

The study was conducted during 2024-25 using 48 rice genotypes at Agricultural Research Station, Radhanagari, Dist-Kolhapur, MS using agro-morphological traits under a randomized block design. Fourteen traits, including phenological, yield-contributing, grain quality and micronutrient traits, were evaluated. Substantial variability was observed for spikelets per panicle, number of panicles/m², 1000-grain weight, grain length, iron content and zinc content with high GCV and PCV values. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was recorded for spikelets per panicle, 1000 grain weight, grain length, iron content, and zinc content, suggesting the effectiveness of direct selection. Broad-sense heritability was high for most traits, indicating predominance of additive gene action. Grain yield showed positive significant associations with plant height, panicle length, number of panicles/m², grain length, grain breadth, 1000-grain weight, iron content, zinc content and days to flowering. Path analysis revealed that grain breadth, days to flowering, length of panicle exerted strong direct effects on grain yield, while 1000-grain weight also contributed positively. Mahalanobis D² clustering grouped genotypes into three clusters: Cluster I (46 genotypes), Cluster II (RDN 9) and Cluster III (RDN 12). The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between Cluster I and Cluster III (47.87), indicating maximum divergence. Divergent genotypes such as RDN 9 and RDN 12 may serve as parents in future grain-yield and quality-oriented breeding programs.