Studies on genetic variability and character association for yield and its attributes in chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandifloraTzvelev)

Abstract

One hundred and four divergent genotypes of chrysanthemum were evaluated to study their genetic variability, correlations and path coefficients during 2011-12. Higher estimates for GCV and PCV were observed for all the characters studied except for plant height, days to flowering, spray length and duration of flowering showing ample scope for selection of those characters. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percentage of mean was recorded for all the quantitative characters studied except for duration of flowering. A significant positive correlation both at genotypic and phenotypic levels was recorded between flower yield and plant attributes viz., plant spread at both the directions, number of primary branches per plant, spray length and number of flowers per spray. Path coefficient analysis revealed that plant spread in N-S direction recorded the highest direct effect on flower yield per plant followed by number of flowers per spray, days to 50% flowering, number of primary branches per plant, average flower weight and duration of flowering. Hence the direct selection from germplasm lines for these characters may be effective for further improvement of the crop.