Genetic Diversity Inherent in Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd.1

Abstract

Forty selections were used to evaluate inherent genotypic diversity in Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd. Materials were evaluated at two locations during 1966 and 1967 for 11 characters.Analyses of variance indicated significant genotypic variation among lines for all characters except early vigor, days between one‐half and full bloom, and percent vernolic acid. Importance of years in a V. anthelmintica breeding and evaluation program was emphasized by large year × entry effects.Genetic coefficient of variation (GCV) values suggested potential for genetic progress. Broad sense heritability estimates (H) varied from 0.92 to 0.01 for characters evaluated. GCV and H estimates were combined in estimates of expected gain from selection in percent of the mean (GS). Values suggested that substantial changes may be made in population means for most characters evaluated.Phenotypic correlation coefficients indicated simultaneous selection might be practiced for several traits. Selection for good early vigor, early bloom dates, and increased seed number per head also should increase seed and oil yields.