Genetic variability and association studies in Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum schumach.) for green fodder yield and quality traits

Abstract

Thirty five Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.) genotypes were evaluated for character association study during Kharif 2013 at Forage Research Farm, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The genotypes were analysed for genetic variability, correlation and path coefficients. The genotypes were significantly different for all the characters, which indicated scope for further genetic studies. High heritability along with high genetic advance was recorded for plant height, leaf length, leaf width, stem girth, number of leaves, crude protein, acid detergent fibre, dry matter yield and green fodder yield indicating the predominance of additive effects in the inheritance of these characters. The phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) were invariably higher than their corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) thereby suggesting the environmental influence. High estimates of GCV and PCV were observed for leaf length, number of leaves/plant, number of tillers/plant, leaf stem ratio, dry matter yield and green fodder yield, suggesting that selection based on these characters would facilitate successful isolation of desirable types. Traits like plant height, leaf length, leaf width, stem girth, number of leaves per plant and dry matter yield had positive and significant correlation at genotypic as well as phenotypic level with green fodder yield and the selection based on these traits will result in improving the green fodder yield in Napier grass. Most of the yield contributing traits like plant height, leaf width, stems girth and dry matter yield as well as the quality trait neutral detergent fibre exhibited positive direct effect on green fodder yield.