Heritability is the proportion of phenotypic variation caused by genetic factors rather than environmental factors. It can be estimated as broad sense heritability, using total genetic variance, or narrow sense heritability, using only additive genetic variance. High heritability combined with high genetic advance indicates a character is controlled by additive genes and is best improved through selection. Low heritability with low genetic advance means a character is strongly influenced by the environment. Heritability and genetic advance help plant breeders understand the genetic basis of traits and determine the most effective breeding methods.