Studies on variability and character association in ashwagandha [Withania somnifera(L.) Dunal

Abstract

Ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal] is an important medicinal plant which is major source of alkaloids, viz., withanine, sominiferine, sominiferinine, somnine, withananine and withasomnine. The genetic variability, correlation and path analysis of dry root yield and its contributing traits were analyzed in twenty seven diverse genotypes of Ashwagandha. The highest magnitude of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was recorded for number of primary branches per plant. The heightest heritability was coupled with high genetic gain was recorded for total alkaloid content, which indicated the importance of additive gene effect, which could be therefore improved through selection. The plant height positively correlated with dry root yield and root diameter but negatively correlated with days to 75% maturity. Among the characters, maximum direct effect was recorded for plant height followed by total alkaloid content. Superior genotypes, viz., MPAS-6, MPAS-4, MPAS-10, MPAS-5, and MPAS-1 could be gainfully utilized in the improvement of dry root yield in Ashwagandha.