The potentiality of a cross is measured not only by
mean performance but also on the extent of variability.
Knowledge on nature and magnitude of genotypic and
phenotypic variability present in any crop species plays
an important role in formulating successful breeding
programmes (Allard, 1960). Siva Subramanian and
Mathavamenon (1973) also highlighted the importance
of variability in early segregating generations and
suggested that magnitude of genotypic co-efficient of
variability and phenotypic co-efficient of variability should
be given importance. Jennings et al. (1979) suggested
that crosses which will realise early homozygosity are
ideally suited for further breeding work. The mean, range,
variability estimates i.e., Genetic co-efficient of variation
(%), phenotypic co-efficient of variation (%), heritability
(%) (broad sense), genetic advance as per cent of mean