Phenotypic variability in Cleome viscosa L. growing in Jammu region (J&K): some interesting insights in this prospective crop

Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken on C. viscosa, a lesser known taxon of economic importance, for its morphological characterization. A continuum of morphological variation in this herbaceous weedy taxon was found across district Jammu. The plants differed in their average life span and phenological events (germination, vegetative, reproductive and senescence). A critical analysis further reflected colossal variation in their overall appearance like growth pattern, branching habit, leaf and floral density. Taking these features into consideration the plants were differentiated into four phenotypic classes/groups. Two groups included branched plants with dense foliage and greater flowering intensity while the other two categories clubbed medium to short statured unbranched plants with low intensity of flowering. These were accordingly named big branched, small branched, unbranched and small and abbreviated respectively as Bbm, Sbm, Ubm and Sm. Differences manifested in various agro-economical traits of vegetative and reproductive nature and in biomass allocation patterning. Data were quantified and values of diversity indices and co-efficients of variances calculated. Despite overlaps in few characters, significant variability was encountered in all the morphological traits among the four groups. Results of statistical analysis, PCV, GCV and broad sense heritability provide evidence in favour of this variation.