Variability in Ethiopian coriander accessions for agronomic and quality traits

Abstract

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is an annual spice herb that belongs to the family of Umbelliferae/Apiaceae. Although Ethiopia is known as a primary diversity for coriander, the knowledge on nature and extent of variation of the indigenous germplasm is limited. Hence, to address the nature and extent of variability on agronomic and chemical traits, test trial was conducted at Kokate and Wondo Genet, Southern Ethiopia, using 49 accessions arranged in randomised complete block design in two replications during the main season of 2007/08. Data for 15 agronomic and quality traits were measured and statistically tested. In the combined analysis of variance over locations, accessions varied significantly in all the traits except for basal leaf number, plant height and fatty oil contents. The interaction between accessions and environment was significant for nine of the 15 traits. A range of seed yield (910-3099 kg ha-1), essential oil (0.25-0.85%) and fatty oil (11.11-16.53%) content was obtained. Overall, highest value of genetic coefficient of variation, broad sense heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean was obtained for longest basal leaf length, days to start 50% flowering, umbels number/plant, umbellets number/umbel, seed number/umbellets, seed number/plant, seed yield/ha and essential oil content.