Abstract

Evaluation of suitable and efficient selection indices in early generations through traits having heritability higher than yield as well as correlated significantly with seed yield is one of the most important breeding procedures. In order to determine the most yielding bread wheat genotypes and identify the traits effective on seed and protein yield as well as parents of the best crosses, an experiment was conducted during 2013–14. The randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Bread wheat genotypes comprised Sepahan and Roshan cultivars as controls along with 18 lines entitled M-92-3 to M-92-20. Correlation analysis showed significant and positive reltionship among seed yield and other traits. Moreover, step-wise regression and path analysis designated that grain filling rate, grain filling duration and number of spikes/m2 were the best indirect selection criteria to increase seed yield in common wheat. Increasingly, peduncle length, number of seeds/spike and number of spikelets/spike were recommended to improve spike yield, while peduncle diameter, days to flowering, days to maturity and plant height for photosynthetic reservoir improvement.