Genetic Variation of Four Traits in a Population of Zizania Aquatica

Genetic variation for four characters in a population of wild rice (Zizania aquatica L.) was investigated using a random sample of 100 open-pollinated progenies grown in a single environment. Additive variance was present in significant amounts for heading date, plant height, tiller number, and seed length. Expected gains from selection were substantial for all traits. All phenotypic correlations among the four characters were significant, except for the correlation of plant height with seed length. Thus, correlated selection responses are possible.