Phenotypic Coefficient Of Variation Research Articles

Utilizing Selection Indices and Discriminant Function Analysis to Enhance Seed Yield in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

The current study focuses on harnessing genetic variation and employing selection indices for evaluating thirty-four advanced sesame breeding lines, alongside four checks (DS-5, DSS-9, JTS-8, and TKG-22). The evaluation encompassed the assessment of fifteen quantitative traits during the summer of 2022 at the AICRP on Sesame and Niger, MARS, UAS, Dharwad. Particularly noteworthy was the high genotypic and phenotypic coefficient variation observed for traits such as the number of secondary branches per plant, yield per plant (g) and seed yield (Kg/ha). The highest heritability coupled with the greatest genetic advance over the mean was detected for the number of primary branches per plant, suggesting a predominant role of additive genetic components in their expression and indicating a promising avenue for direct selection. The study involved the construction of thirty-one selection indices using the discriminant function technique, which incorporated five key traits: seed yield per plant (g) (X1), days to maturity (X2), number of productive capsules per plant (X3), thousand seed weight (g) (X4), and oil content (%) (X5). Among these various selection indices, the one comprising all component characters (X1, X2, X3, X4, and X5) exhibited the highest expected genetic advance and relative efficiency.

The Genetic Dissection of Economically Important Traits in Chilli Genotypes (Capsicum annuum L.) through Multivariate Analysis

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivar share a variety of different and intriguing growth and yield characteristics, for a plant breeder studies on genotypic and phenotypic relationship for horticulture cum vegetable spicy crop and its traits are useful to design, evaluate and to develop selection criteria for desired traits. With this background information the present study focused on identification of crucial characteristics required for boosting yield and to determine the parameters for the selection of superior genotypes. A total of 30 chilli genotypes were subjected to variability, divergence and mutual correlation studies for yield and yield component traits by using multivariate analysis.
 Results from the analysis of variance and variability revealed highly significant differences at (p≤0.01) and (p≤0.05) for all the studied traits. The highest genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were observed for FL fallowed by FYP, NFP, IFW, WPDM, FD, PH and NSF respectively, except for MC has revealed low GCV and PCV. All the traits were shown the presence of high heritability ( ) in broad sense (>60%) coupled with high GAM (>20%), except for MC, indicating the presence of positive additive gene action and effective transmission of characters to the next generation with selection. Highly significant and positive strong correlation was observed for IFW (r = 0.68**), WPDM (r = 0.54**), TW (r = 0.40*) and FD (r = 0.37*) with FYP, while the path analysis revealed highest direct effect for the traits such as FPT, FL and NFP. Principle component analysis revealed a 70.60% total variation accounted with first four PCAs with Eigen vector values more than one.
 Further cluster analysis grouped the 30 chilli genotypes into four major cluster (Cluster I, II, III and IV) and combined cluster analysis identified genotypes contributing to the maximum variability, viz., cultivars such as LIPSTICK, B.KADDI, B.DABBI, BHOOT JALOKIA, SUM- 17, BCH- 42, PBC- 80, LCA- 310, M- 262, KA2- L, S. SELECTION 1, JCH- 42 and 9608- U, so these genotypes serves as a donor for further breeding programme to develop superior cultivars.

Correlation Studies for Morphological and Biomass Traits in Half-sib Progenies of Peltophorum pterocarpum

The current research was conducted on twenty plus trees of Peltophorum pterocarpum from different locations in Bihar to study the association among different morphological and biomass traits. It was found that PPT12 (Rajgir Park) and PPT4 (Muraura, Nalanda) performed better for germination metrics under open field and greenhouse conditions, respectively. PPT6 (Nari, Nalanda) and PPT13 (Sathopur, Nalanda) outperformed all other superior tree progenies in terms of morphological and biomass attributes in green house and open field conditions, respectively. The phenotypic coefficient of variability was greater than the genotypic coefficient of variability for all morphological and biomass variables tested under green house and field conditions, showing that the environment played a greater role. Germination value heritability was found to be high in both environments. High heritability with high genetic advance was associated with shoot length in greenhouse condition, indicating additive gene action. Under greenhouse conditions, the phenotypic correlation coefficients among the seedling parameters evaluated varied from a non-significant 0.211 (P=0.01) between shoot root ratio and root dry weight and between shoot length and collar diameter to a very significant 0.967 (P=0.01).Accessions showing higher values for one or the other attributes could be selected as parents for further improvement.

Estimation of Variability, Correlation Coefficient and Path Analysis in Improved Restorer Lines of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The present investigation was conducted to estimate genetic variability parameters such as genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), heritability (h2) and genetic advance (GA) along with correlations and path coefficients from data collected on 40 F4-F5 population derived from a cross between aerobic restorer AR 9-18 and blast resistant donor MSM 1212 possessing Pi54. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters studied. Moderate GCV and PCV was observed for number of productive tillers per plant, number of grains per panicle, per day productivity and single plant yield. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean were observed for number of productive tillers per plant, number of grains per panicle, per day productivity and single plant yield, whereas high heritability coupled with moderate genetic advance as percent of mean were observed for panicle length, spikelet fertility, thousand grain weight and plant height. Grain yield per plant showed positive correlation with per day productivity, days to 50% flowering, panicle length, number of productive tillers per plant, thousand grain weight and spikelet fertility, while, negative association with number of grains per panicle and plant height. The trait per day productivity had highest direct effect on single plant yield followed by days to 50% flowering, panicle length, number of productive tillers per plant, thousand grain weight, spikelet fertility (%). Hence, per day productivity and number of productive tillers per plant are identified as key traits for developing high yielding genotypes of rice for future breeding programme.

Assessment of Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance among Different Characters in Tomato [Solanum lycopersicum (Mill.) Wettsd

The field experiment was carried out at Horticulture Research Farm No.1, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow during Rabi season 2021-22. In this, twenty genotypes including check cultivars were evaluated to estimate the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for different characters. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Characters viz., days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of primary branches per plant, polar diameter of fruit, equatorial diameter of fruit, total soluble solids, number of fruits per cluster, average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, marketable fruit yield per plant, unmarketable fruit yield per plant and total fruit yield per plant were studied during the experiment. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes for all the characters under study during the investigation. The Phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of the variation (GCV) for the characters studied. The highest genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was observed for unmarketable fruit yield per plant. The moderate GCV was reported for total fruit yield per plant followed by plant height and average fruit weight, polar diameter of fruit, no. of primary branches per plant, marketable fruit yield per plant and equatorial diameter of fruit whereas it was least for TSS followed by days to 50% flowering and number of fruits per cluster. Therefore these characters exhibited high heritability coupled with genetic advance thus show some scope for improvement through selection.

Estimation of Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Analysis for Yield and Some Yield Contributing Traits in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A study was conducted at the Student Instruction Farm, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, during the rabi season of 2022–2023, to estimate the genetic variability, correlation, and path coefficient analysis of yield and its contributing traits in cross combination. Ten wheat cultivars were grown in a randomized block design with three replications. The analysis of variance revealed that the treatments were highly significant for all the characters. The higher magnitudes of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were recorded for grain yield, biological yield, harvest index and plant height. The high heritability in broad sense was estimated for all the characters except for day to 50% heading, flag leaf area (cm2), number of leaves/main tiller, number of spikelets/ear and protein content (%).A high value of heritability suggests that it could be due to a higher contribution of genotypic components. High heritability associated with high genetic advantage as a percentage of the mean was found for plant height, harvest index, biological yield, and grain yield, indicating a predominance of additive gene action in the inheritance of these traits. The estimated correlation coefficients showed high direct genotypic and phenotypic correlations for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, productive tillers/plant, test weight, biological yield, and harvest index. In contrast, flag leaf area (cm2), number of leaves/main picks, number of kernels/spike, and seed hardiness were negatively correlated with grain yield. Path analysis showed that biological yield had the largest direct positive effect on grain yield, followed by harvest index, ear length, plant height, and days to 50%, indicating that these factors were the largest contributors to grain yield.

Unravelling the Genetic Potential of Buckwheat Genotypes through Yield and Yield Attributing Parameters in Semi-tropical Climate of India

In this comprehensive study on buckwheat genotypes conducted in the semi-tropical region of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India during the rabi, 2021 growing season, a range of critical agronomic traits, including plant height, flowering time, days to maturity, test weight, and economic yield, were systematically analyzed. The analysis of variance highlighted the significance of both replicates and treatments in explaining variations across these traits. The genotypes exhibited remarkable diversity, with notable differences in plant height, with IC-26755 exhibiting the tallest plants at 99.75 cm, while IC-582972 displayed the shortest at 14.93 cm. Moreover, flowering time varied widely, with IC-582972 and IC-329201 being non-flowering genotypes. These variations in plant height and flowering time can have significant implications for crop management and breeding strategies. Assessment of genetic variability and genetic advancement underscored the substantial potential for improving traits such as economic yield and days to flowering through selective breeding efforts. Genetic coefficients of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) were calculated, with "Economic yield" displaying the highest values, signifying significant inherent variability among genotypes for this trait.Phenotypic and genotypic correlation analyses unveiled intriguing relationships among traits, offering valuable insights for crop management and breeding strategies. There were strong positive correlations between days to 50% flowering and total weight, suggesting that genotypes taking more time to flower tend to produce greater total weight.Phenotypic and genotypic path analyses further elucidated the intricate interplay of traits, providing actionable insights for trait improvement through selective breeding. In the phenotypic path analysis, it was observed that total biomass fraction had a direct positive effect on days to 50% flowering and days to 80% maturity, suggesting that genotypes with higher biomass fractions tend to have later flowering and maturity.

Assessment of Genetic Variability for Morpho-physiological and Yield Traits in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

In order to estimate genetic variability parameters for seventeen traits of wheat, 28 F1s were obtained by crossing 8 parents in 8×8 diallel fashion, excluding reciprocals and evaluation trial was laid down in randomised complete block design at Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. Analysis of variance revealed that highly significant differences between genotypes exist for all seventeen characters. Eleven out of seventeen characters were observed to exhibit elevated values for both the PCV and GCV. The observed phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) values was determined to be greater than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) values, indicating that the expression of traits is comparatively less influenced by environmental factors. A significant degree of heritability, along with a notable genetic advance, was observed for various traits, including flag leaf area, followed by grain yield, biological yield, canopy temperature depression (CTD), harvest index, tillers per plant, peduncle length, grains per spike, awn length, plant height, grain filling duration, spikelet per spike, spike length, and normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) content. This study has thus identified significant genetic variability in wheat traits, highlighted traits with high heritability and genetic advance, and suggested that these traits could be targeted for improvement in wheat breeding programs.

Genetic analysis of zinc rich landraces for yield, quality and nutritional traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Aim: To study genetic variability, correlation, path and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) in a set of 100 zinc rich rice landraces along with four checks. Methodology: The study was carried out at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Maruteru, during Rabi season, 2020-2021 in an Augmented Randomized Block Design. Results: Grain yield per plant, grains per panicle, productive tillers m-2 and test weight showed moderate genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) coupled with high heritability and genetic advance as per cent mean. These traits also had positive and significant association coupled with high positive direct effect on grain yield per plant. They also contributed maximum variance to the total variability indicating the effectiveness of direct phenotypic selection for these traits for improving the grain yield per plant. Further, cluster analysis grouped the zinc rich rice landraces along with checks into three clusters. Cluster II had the highest genotypes (42), while Cluster I had 32 genotypes and Cluster III consisted of 30 zinc rich landraces along with three check varieties. Interpretation: Grains per panicle, productive tillers and test weight were identified as effective selection criteria for the improvement of grain yield towards development of high yielding zinc-rich rice varieties to curtail micronutrient malnutrition in areas with rice as staple food. Key words: Cluster analysis, Landraces, Oryza sativa, Path analysis, PCA, Zinc

Variability Parameters, Correlation Studies and Path Analysis of Yield and Yield-Related Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.): A Comprehensive Review

Rice, a staple food crop of global importance exhibits substantial diversity in terms of yield and other agronomic traits, influenced by genetic, environmental, and management factors. Variability parameters, including genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, heritability, correlation, and path analysis provide crucial insights into the extent of trait variation and their potential for improvement through breeding programs. Furthermore, correlation studies unveil the interdependencies between different traits, shedding light on potential connections influencing yield. This analysis uncovers important trait associations, guiding breeders and researchers in the pursuit of crop improvement strategies. By identifying both positive and negative correlations, this research offers a deeper understanding of trait interplay and informs targeted trait selection efforts. Path analysis, a pivotal aspect of this review, describes the underlying causal relationships between traits and their direct and indirect effects on yield. This analysis facilitates the ranking of trait contributions and guides decisions for trait prioritization in breeding programs. By illuminating the pathways through which traits influence yield, path analysis enhances the precision of trait selection for improved rice cultivars. The synergy of variability parameters, correlation studies, and path analysis presents a holistic framework for unraveling the complexities of rice yield determination. Understanding these parameters enhances our ability to select and develop high-yielding and resilient rice varieties, contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture. This abstract delves into the significance of variability parameters in unraveling the complexities of rice yield and trait dynamics, guiding effective crop improvement strategies for the future. This review provides a valuable synthesis of existing knowledge, offering insights that can aid researchers, breeders, and agronomists in their pursuit of enhancing rice yield and overall agricultural sustainability.

Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Selected Quantitative Traits in Introduced African Yam Bean (Sphenosylis stenocarpa Hochst. ex. A. Rich Harms) Genotypes

A solid understanding of the genetic control of traits within breeding populations is essential for selecting superior genotypes and parent plants for African yam bean (AYB) cultivation. In this study, we explored the phenotypic breeding values and genetic parameter estimates for various traits in 10 introduced AYB varieties. These traits included seed emergence speed (SES), seedling vigor index (SVI), final germination percentage (FGP), seed yield, days to first flower bud initiation (DAYSFBI), days to first flowering (DAYSF), and days to first pod initiation (DAYSPI). We conducted the trial using a randomized complete block (RCB) design with the following varieties: TSs2, TSs60, TSs11, TSs33, TSs282, TSs450, TSs10, TSs432, TSs424, and TSs151B. Traits showing high and medium genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were seed yield (20.7), SVI (12.1), and seed emergence speed (10.8), respectively. Traits with high phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) included seed yield (36.8), SVI (22.8), and SES (37.5). The presence of variability in all studied traits was evident from both GCV and PCV values. However, PCV values were slightly higher than GCV, suggesting the influence of environmental factors on these traits. Seed yield exhibited high genetic advance (23.9) and intermediate heritability (31.5%), while SES showed low heritability (8.4%) and low genetic advance (6.5), and FGP displayed low heritability (8.3%) and low genetic advance (2.1). High heritability and genetic advance in certain traits indicate the presence of additive gene action, suggesting that these traits can be improved through direct selection. These findings suggest the presence of valuable variations that can be harnessed for AYB genetic enhancement and selection purposes. Our study results offer valuable insights for the genetic improvement, conservation, management, multi-location evaluations, short-term recommendations, and potential release of new AYB genotypes.

Studies of Genetic Variability and Inter-Relationship among Some Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata L.) Landrace of Assam, India

Thirty diverse landraces of pumpkin comprising from eight districts of Assam viz., four landraces from each district, Sivasager, Dibrugarh, Karbi Anglong, Haflong, Jorhat & Majuli and three landraces from each Lakhimpur and Kokrajhar. The landraces were subjected to analyses of variance and covariance for estimation of genetic variability parameters and correlation coefficients among the 19 characters. The experiment was carried out during the rabi season of 2017-18 at the Instruction Cum and Research (ICR) Farm of Assam Agricultural University in a Randomized Block Design with three replications. From the analysis of variance, it was recorded that the presence of variation among thirty pumpkin landraces for all characters. The highest genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was recorded for single fruit weight with 51.47 per cent and 54.88 per cent, indicating presence of greater variability for the trait. The heritability in the broad sense was recorded highest for the petiole length. The GA calculated as per cent of the mean was recorded for single fruit weight (99.44%), followed by yield per plant. In character association five traits were positively correlated with fruit yield per plant out of 18 characters.

Genetic Variability and Association Analysis for Yield and its Components in Alkaline and Inland Saline Stress in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Kampasagar, Nalgonda, Telangana, India during the rabi season (December, 2020 to May, 2021) to identify suitable lines tolerant to alkalinity and inland salinity stress in rice. Analysis of variance evinced plenteous quantum of variability in all the 36 genotypes investigated. Phenotypic coefficients of variation were higher than genotypic coefficients demonstrating the effect of the prevalent stress environment. High estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation, phenotypic coefficient of variation, heritability, and genetic advance as percent mean was observed for the traits, seedling mortality, number of filled grains panicle-1 and sterility %. These findings suggested the preponderance of additive gene action for these characters. The remaining traits were mostly under the influence of non-additive gene effects as they recorded low to moderate estimates of genetic advance. Studies from association analysis showed that number of productive tillers hill-1 and number of filled grains panicle-1 had a positive significant correlation with yield whereas, seedling mortality and sterility % had a negative significant association with yield. Path analysis revealed that traits number of productive tillers hill-1, number of grains panicle-1 and 1000 grain weight had a positive direct effect on yield. Hence primacy should be given to the above-mentioned traits to develop alkalinity and inland saline tolerant and high yielding rice cultivars. Lines CT 118911, Sahel 177, M 202 and KPS 10654 were found to be promising entries and can be used tolerant parents in the breeding programme. Three principal components combined could explain 68.86% of the total variation.

Assessing Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance for Morphological Traits in Different Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) Genotypes

Gladiolus, commonly known as the gladiola or simply "gladiolus," is a popular flowering plant known for its striking and vibrant flowers. It belongs to the genus Gladiolus and is part of the family Iridaceae. The present investigation was carried out at the Horticultural Research Centre of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh during Rabi season (Mid Nov - April) 2020-21 to determine the extent of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for twenty-five genotypes of Gladiolus. For all of the traits, the analysis of variance indicated extremely significant variations between genotypes. Number of spikes per plant had the highest phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), (35.81 and 23.41, respectively). For all of the traits studied, the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), while the differences were very small, indicating that the environmental influence on traits was low. The heritability estimates ranged from 42.75 (number of spikes per plant) to 99.01 (spike weight). This indicated that environmental variables had the least influence on these features. For most features, the estimated genetic progress as a percentage of mean varied from moderate to high. This finding, together with the high heritability values observed, suggested that additive gene action may exist and that simple selection for such traits may be used to improve them.

Genetic Variability and Divergence Studies in Quantitative Traits of Wild Pomegranate (Punica granatum L)

The mean performance and variability in quantitative traits of Punica granatum seed sources collected from five different districts comprising of ten seed sources. Two seed sources were considered from each district viz; Narag and Neripul from Sirmour district, Waknaghat and Sadhupul from Solan district, Sundernagar and Rewalsar from Mandi district, Mohal and Banjar from Kullu district, Basantpur and Sunni from Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, India, were evaluated during the year 2018-19. The quantitative traits viz., morphological and seedling characteristics of seed sources varied significantly among the different districts and within the districts. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) for all the characters was slightly higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), which signified the presence of environmental influence to some degree in the phenotypic expression of characters. Collar diameter had the highest PCV (76.83) and GCV (26.67). Genetic advance was recorded as maximum for tree diameter per plant (5.57), whereas genetic advance as percent of mean was highest for tree height (4.86). Highest heritability (H2 , 99.77) was coupled with higher genetic advance (5.57) estimated for tree diameter per plant, which indicated that the character is controlled by additive genes and therefore further improvement could brought by selection. Tree diameter was significantly and positively associated with most of the characters except number of branches per plant, at both genotypic and phenotypic levels; therefore, these are important prerequisites to formulate a successful improvement program. Cluster analysis was performed and the seed sources were grouped into three clusters. The results showed significant variance among different morphological characters, traits namely tree height (m), tree diameter (cm), crown spread E-W (m), crown spread N-S (m), fruit weight (g), leaf length(cm), internodal length(cm), collar diameter (mm), number of branches per plant and leaf petiole (cm)

Assessment of variability parameters and diversity of panicle architectural traits associated with yield in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The rice panicle, a pivotal reproductive structure, signifies the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth in plants. Comprising components such as the rachis, primary and secondary branches, seed quantities and branch lengths, panicle architecture profoundly influences grain production. This study delves into the diversity of panicle architecture traits and scrutinizes variability parameters across 69 distinct rice genotypes. Our findings underscore substantial variations in panicle architecture traits among genotypes. Particularly noteworthy are traits with the highest coefficient of variation (CV%), encompassing the count of secondary branches, single plant yield, productive tillers per plant, seeds per secondary branch and panicle weight. Correlation analysis reveals robust positive connections between panicle weight, the number of filled grains per panicle, 1000-grain weight and single plant yield. The number of secondary branches exhibits the most substantial phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV%) at 47.14%, accompanied by a genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV%) of 43.57%. Traits such as days to 50% flowering, plant height and number of filled grains per panicle manifest high heritability (97.04%, 91.24% and 76.22% respectively) and notable genetic advancement (23.11%, 39.62% and 47.49%). The principal component analysis identifies the primary component (PC1) as the principal contributor to variance. Biplot analysis accentuates positive correlations between attributes like the number of filled grains per panicle, panicle length, plant height, primary branch count, panicle weight, seeds per primary branch and the number of secondary branches with single plant yield. By employing Mahalanobis D2 statistics, the classification of genotypes into 6 distinct clusters reveals clusters III and IV as distinguished by their significant inter-cluster and intra-cluster distances. This comprehensive analysis unveils the potential for harnessing panicle architecture traits to enhance grain production and advances our comprehension of intricate relationships within diverse rice genotypes.

Genetic Dissection for Yield and Fruit Quality Traits in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

The genetic variability for yield, its attributing, and fruit quality traits using 38 tomato genotypes was studied. High significant differences among the genotypes were found for all recorded traits. Phenotypic coefficient of variation was greater than genotypic coefficient of variation for all the traits indicating the presence of environmental influences. Most of the traits expressed moderate to high heritability. Plant height, number of seed/fruit, chlorophyll content in top leaf, red fruit weight, number of fruit/plant, soluble solid content in exocarp and endocarp of red fruit, titratable acidity of red fruit juice, lycopene content, beta-carotene and yield/plant had high heritability along with high genetic advance as percentage of the mean. Yield/plant exhibited a significant positive correlation with number of fruit/plant, number of flower/bunch, red fruit girth, red fruit length and red fruit weight. Path analysis revealed soluble solid content in endocarp of red fruit, number of fruit/plant, plant height, number of bunch/plant, number of flower/bunch, number of seed/fruit, green fruit length, red fruit girth, red fruit length, red fruit weight, lycopene and beta-carotene content had direct positive effect on yield/plant. Principal component analysis depicted first eight PCs with Eigen-value higher than one contributing 76.74% of total variability. Thirty-eight genotypes grouped into seven clusters where cluster II contains maximum genotypes. Based on the mean performance, genotypes Tm-131 and WOP-10 for yield and ascorbic acid content; Puli-25, VI005584 and Tm-2 for total soluble solids; VI-063607 and VI-0337183 for lycopene and beta-carotene content may be considered as superior genotypes which can be used as potential genetic resources for the development of nutritionally rich high-yielding tomato variety.

Genetic Variability And Correlation Studies For Growth, Yield And Quality In Strawberry (Fragaria Ananassa Duch.)

The traits viz., fruit nutritional quality, yield, day neutral nature to be improved in strawberry and hence the present study was undertaken to identify the nature of variability present in the promising advanced strawberry genotypes and to detect the association among yield and yield component traits in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.). Fourteen advanced genotypes were evaluated to study genetic variation and the relationship between yield and its components using a randomized complete block design during the year 2021. The results showed significant variance among genotypes of all traits. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) for all the characters was slightly higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), which signified the presence of environmental influence to some degree in the phenotypic expression of characters. The leaf area index had the highest PCV (30.71) and GCV (30.82). The genetic advance was recorded maximum for fruit yield per plant (228.24), whereas genetic advance as a percent of mean was highest for leaf area index (63.05) followed by shelf life of fruits (61.95). The highest heritability (h2, 95.22) was coupled with higher genetic advance (228.24) estimated for fruit yield per plant, which indicated that the character is controlled by additive genes and therefore further improvement could be brought by selection. Being octoploid, the inheritance of traits is complex in strawberry and the identified heritable traits in the study would be helpful for strawberry improvement breeding programs. Fruit yield was significantly and positively associated with most of the characteristics except flowering duration, fruiting duration, and volume of fruit at both genotypic and phenotypic levels; therefore, these are important prerequisites to formulate a successful strawberry improvement program.

Genetic Variability and Correlation Studies for Yield and Yield Related Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The study aims to estimate the genetic parameters of 13 yield-attributing traits to study Genetic Variability and Correlation studies for yield and yield-related traits in rice. The investigation comprised of 20 Rice genotypes used for the experiment carried out during Kharif- 2022 in Randomized Block Design with three replications at the field Experimentation Center, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (Allahabad), India. The greater value of the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) compared to the corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the studied traits indicated that there was an influence of the environment on biological yield per plant, Grain yield per plant, and test weight. All of the traits had high heritability, indicating that direct selection of these characters based on phenotypic expression using a simple selection procedure for yield improvement would be more accurate. Grain yield per plant showed a significant and positive association with biological yield, panicle length, no of spikelets per panicle, plant height, test weight, flag leaf width, and days to maturity indicating selection of these characteristics for yield improvement may be rewarding. Both at phenotype and genotype levels Biological yield per plant, panicle length, no of spikelets per panicle, plant height, test weight, days to flowering, days to maturity, and flag leaf width had positive direct effects on grain yield per plant indicating their importance during selection in the yield improvement program. Furthermore, the data gained by this study can be used in future rice breeding programs.

Genetic Studies in Advanced Sugarcane Mid-Late Clones through Yield and Quality Traits

Sugarcane varietal development is frequently aimed at increasing yield and sucrose quality. Effective crop genetic evolution requires knowledge of the numerous traits that contribute to the present diversity by genetic analysis. Keeping in view, this experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with three replications and the trial consisted of nine mid-late sugarcane genotypes. Data on cane yield and quality traits were used to estimate the genetic variability parameters, heritability, and genetic advance (GA). Analysis of variance revealed highly significant and significant differences for all studied traits. Evaluated characters exhibited different levels of variability, heritability, and genetic advance among the studied genotypes. Low to high phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were recorded. The moderate GCV and PCV values were found particularly for Sugar Yield at harvest (18.09% and 21.64%) and Cane Yield at harvest (16.62% and 20.14%) respectively, whereas the lowest GCV and PCV (1.43% and 2.26% respectively) manifested for Purity at the 12 months stage. The highest broad sense heritability value manifested for Pol in juice at 12 months stage (%) (86.47%) followed by CCS at 12 months stage (%) (85.43%), while the lowest heritability (35.00%) revealed only for Germination % at 30 DAP. In the present study, high heritability and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (>50) was recorded for Millable canes at harvest (000/ha) and single cane weight at harvest (kg) indicating a predominance of additive gene action for these characters. Therefore the result of this study suggests the existence of variability for cane yield and quality traits in these sugarcane genotypes, which should be exploited in future breeding.