Genetic variability and correlation for nut and yield characters in arecanut (Areca catechu L.) germplasm

Abstract

A study on genetic variability and correlation for nut and yield characters was carried out among 25 arecanut accessions of diverse geographic origins. High GCV and PCV values were observed for the number of female flowers/inflorescence/palm/year, the number of nut/inflorescence, the number of nuts/palm/year, dry weight of husk, fresh fruit weight, dry weight of nut, dry weight of kernel and fresh nut yield. High estimates of heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent mean (GAM) were observed for stem girth above the fixed mark, the number of female flowers/inflorescence/palm/year, fruit length, fruit breadth, fresh fruit weight, kernel length, kernel breadth, dry weight of nuts, dry weight of kernel, fresh nut yield, dry kernel yield and kernel recovery indicating amenability for phenotypic selection of these characters in early generations. The observations revealed that the palm height, kernel breadth and dry weight of kernel can be considered for improvement of arecanut as these characters had high positive direct effects on the dry weight of kernel. Key words: Genetic variability, Arecanut, Heritability, Genetic advance, Germplasm.