Genetic variability for yield and yield related traits in orange-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Genotypes

Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken to estimate the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for growth and yield parameters among sixteen genotypes of orange fleshed sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] genotypes. In a randomized block design with two replications during rabi 2020-21 at Regional Horticultural Research and Extension centre (RHREC), (Kumbapur Form), Dharwad. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes were observed for all the characters under study. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation for all the traits. High (>20 %) genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient variation (PCV) were observed for number of leaves per vine at 60 and 120 DAP, leaf area at 60, 90, 120 DAP, mean weight of tuber, tuber yield per vine, tuber yield per plot, tuber yield per hectare. It indicated the existence of broad genetic base, which would be amenable for further selection. High heritability (> 60 %) coupled with high genetic advance as per cent over mean (>20 %) were recorded for the characters such as, vine length, number of leaves per vine, leaf area, internodal length, number of tubers per vine, tuber girth, mean weight of tuber, tuber yield per vine, tuber yield per plot, tuber yield per hectare, starch content, dry matter percent and beta carotene content indicating the prevalence of additive gene action for these traits. Thus, there is ample scope for improving these characters through direct selection.