Phenotypic Coefficient Of Variation Research Articles

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.

Quantification of Diverse Local Germplasm of Pumpkin Through Genetic Variability Components in Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand

An experiment was conducted at Horticultural Research Center, Department of Horticulture, H.N.B Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal), Uttarakhand, India, during summer season 2019, to study “Quantification of diverse local germplasm of Pumpkin through genetic variability components in Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand”. Experimental material for the study consisted of 25 genotypes. The experiment was conducted using a Randomized Block Design with three replications. The genotypes have been collected from different regions of Uttarakhand and other parts of India. Observations were recorded on 23 economic traits. Each of the traits under study, genetic variability analysis revealed that the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were nearly identical. Highest coefficient of variability both at phenotypic and genotypic level was observed for yield per vine (50.48% and 50.33%) and lowest for days to 1st fruit harvest (5.49% and 5.49%). Maximum heritability was found in number of seeds per fruit (100%) and moderate was found for number of ridges per fruit (40.10%). Highest genetic advance was observed for number of seeds per fruit (79.26) and lowest for rind thickness (0.15mm). In terms of percentages above the mean, vine length, number of primary branches/vine, number of nodes upto first male flower and female flower, number of fruits / vine, percent of fruits setting, average fruit weight and yield/vine all demonstrated high genetic advance. In order to continue crop development programs for pumpkin in the Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand, factors like vine length, percent of fruit setting, average fruit weight, and yield per vine could be taken into consideration through selection.

Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of Ash Gourd (Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn.) Genotypes

The present investigation was carried out during kharif season, 2018-2019 on 37 genotypes of ash gourd in Randomized Block Design to study the genetic variability, heritability, genetic advances, correlation and path coefficient. Results revealed high genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) for seediness (44.197 and 44.09), fruit diameter (36.41 and 36.26), average fruits weight (32.308 and 32.27), number of lobes (21.73 and 21.63), peduncle length (25.72 and 25.651), petiole length (22.25 and 22.02), fruit length (25.82 and 25.68), seed width (24.84 and 24.62), number of fruit per plant (21.93 and 21.81), nodes at which first female flower appears (28.54 and 28.48), yield per plant (25.35 and 25.11) and yield per hectare (25.35 and 25.11), respectively. Whereas, high heritability (h2) coupled with genetic advance over mean (GAM) was registered highest in seediness (99.52% and 90.61%) followed by fruit diameter (99.23% and 74.41%), fruit length (98.87% and 52.60%), respectively. Fruit yield per plant showed highly significant positive phenotypic and genotypic correlation coefficients with avg fruit weight (0.708 and 0.709), vine length (0.359 and 0.368), fruit diameter (0.304 and 0.307), seed width (0.337 and 0.342), crop duration (0.370 and 0.356) and cotyledon length (0.295 and 0.305), respectively. The highest positive direct effects on fruit yield was exerted by average fruit weight (1.034) followed by number of fruit/plant (0.738) and vine length (0.062) whereas number of lobes (-0.087) shown highest negative direct effect followed by ovary length (-0.062) and cotyledon width (-0.059).

Genotypes performance and genetic variability studies in Hot Pepper (Capsicum annum L.)

Pepper (Capsicum sp.) is one of the most widely used food worldwide. To assess the magnitude and extent of genetic variability among some chili accessions and varieties, and their contributions to yield, a field experiment was conducted using 30 genotypes during the off-season period from November 2016 to May 2017 under irrigation. The experiment was conducted using an RCBD design with three replicates. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed highly significant differences for all traits tested, except for fruit girth, pedicel length, and plant height. Primary branch per plant, dry fruit yield per plot, fruit length, stem width, and number of fruits per plant all had high GCV(genotype coefficient of variation) and PCV(phenotypic coefficient variation) values among the yield components, along with high heritability and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean. For all traits, the phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation, indicating an environmental influence on these traits. High heritability, along with high genetic advance as a percentage of mean, was observed for primary branch per plant, stem width, fruit length, number of fruits per plant, and dry fruit yield per plot, implying the potential for crop improvement in chilli through selection.

Identification of superior clones of Satureja rechingeri Jamzad. using progeny test

Satureja rechingeri is a precious plant for the pharmaceutical, feed and food industries due to the high content of antimicrobials in essential oil, mainly carvacrol. As a part of domestication and introduction into the cultivation program, a poly cross design was performed to evaluate genetic parameters and the general combining ability of 58 promising clones of S. rechingeri. Half-sib family seeds were grown in an RCBD with ten replications, and plants were assessed for their quantitative and essential oil traits. General combining ability and genetic parameters, phenotypic and genotypic correlations were estimated for all assessed traits. Analysis of variance revealed significant variation among entries of all the characters, indicating the possibilities of exploiting the available variability for further genetic improvement. Estimates of the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were highest for essential oil yield (98.38% and 213.95%) and essential oil content (91.60% and 135.14%) in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Broad sense heritability estimates for various traits ranged from 16.68 for leaf width to 91.88 for growth type. Essential oil traits showed a high and positive phenotypic and genotypic correlation with plant height, leaf width, number of lateral branches, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, and growth type. The growth type, number of lateral branches, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, leaf width, and number of main branches were identified as influential factors in increasing the quantity of S. rechingeri target traits essential oil traits, and dry weight. Based on general combining ability estimates of principal traits, half-sib families of S. rechingeri clones of ‘Z19′, ‘G48′, ‘Z16′, ‘K48′, ‘F3′, ‘K5′, ‘E41′, ‘G27′ and ‘F71′ showed the highest performance. These clones can be selected as parents of synthetic varieties or new genetic sources to select superior genotypes.

Genetic Diversity Analysis for Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

The present investigation was carried out to assess the genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, genetic diversity in 37 finger millet genotypes for 15 quantitative traits during Kharif, 2022 at Field Experimentation Centre, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agricxulture Technology and Sciences, Uttar Pradesh in Randomized Block Design with 3 replications. The analysis of variance for mean sum of squares due to genotypes showed significant differences for all the 15 quantitative characters. The genotype, IE-184 followed by IE-195, IE-185, IE-191, IE-199, IE-180 exhibited highest grain Yield per Plant, while IE-111, IE-150, IE-169, IE-170, IE-175, IE-168 genotypes are early in maturity. Whereas, genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation were found high for flag leaf length, number of productive tillers, number of fingers per ear, finger length. High heritability and high Genetic advance were recorded in plant height, flag leaf length, ear width, number of fingers per ear, finger width. Clustering by Tocher’s Method has grouped all 37 genotypes into 6 clusters, in which Cluster-I contains more (16) genotypes and Cluster-IV, Cluster-V, Cluster-VI contains less (1) genotypes. According to Mahalanobis Euclidean Distance (not to scale), the maximum Inter-Cluster distance is recorded between Cluster-I and Cluster-VI (10.52) followed by Cluster-II and Cluster-V (10.44), Cluster-II & Cluster-III (9.35), Cluster-II & Cluster-IV (9.21). Plant height followed by grain yield per plant and days to 50% flowering traits contributes the highest percentage towards the overall divergence among the genotypes. Hence the selection of genotypes based on the above-mentioned characters and Inter Cluster Distance will be useful for crop improvement in Finger Millet.

Patterns in genetic variation and character association of yield components in turmeric (curcuma longa L.)

Understanding genetic variability patterns of turmeric yield traits is essential to develop new genotypes with improved traits. The objective of the present study was to investigate the genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and association of various yield components in turmeric genotypes. The experiment was conducted for two seasons during 2021-22 and 2022-23 using 21 turmeric genotypes at ICAR-IISR, Experimental farm, Peruvannamuzhi, Kerala. The results indicate that the genotypes exhibited significant variation across two seasons for most traits, with the exception of collar girth, weight of primary rhizomes per clump, and number of primary rhizomes per clump, which suggests the presence of genetic variability in the genotypes. Maximum fresh rhizome yield per clump was recorded in the genotype, IISR Pragati. The Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) was found to be moderate to high for most of the traits except plant height, leaf lamina length, collar girth and fresh rhizome yield per plant, whereas, Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV) was found to be moderate to high for all the traits except plant height. Heritability was observed moderate to high for all the traits except collar girth, number of primaries per clump, weight of primaries rhizomes per clump and fresh rhizome yield per plant. The petiole length, total leaf area, weight of mother rhizomes per clump and number of mother rhizomes per clump showed high heritability along with genetic advance. Correlation analysis suggested that weight of mother rhizomes per clump had a strong positive association with plant height, number of leaves, leaf lamina length, leaf lamina width, leaf area, total leaf area, and collar girth and had a weak positive relationship with fresh rhizome yield per plant and petiole length. The path analysis revealed, total leaf area, fresh rhizome yield per plant and number of primaries per clump have high direct positive effects with weight of mother rhizomes per clump. The high heritability and genetic advance observed for above mentioned traits suggest that exercising a simple selection could indirectly improve the low heritable low genetic advance traits such as fresh rhizome yield per plant as indicated by correlation and path analysis.

Estimation of Genetic Variability and Character Association Analysis of Underutilized Ornamental Canna Lily (Canna indica L.)

Background: Canna lily (Canna indica L.) is an edible herbaceous perennial plant in which flowers and rhizomes were commonly used as a food additive and its potentiality was not fully utilized in India. To stun these hindrances, morphological characterizations are needed to determine the genetic variability to improve flower quality and rhizome yield in canna lily. Methods: In the present research, a field experiment was conducted during 2022-2023 in Botanical Garden, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Twelve accessions were investigated by using a randomized block design with 3 replications. All the observations for 23 quantitative traits were carried out at 0.05 and 0.01 probability. Results: The wide range of genetic variability was observed, a high genetic coefficient of variation ranged from 8.49 to 75.62 % and a phenotypic coefficient of variation ranged from 8.83 to 76.50 % was observed in 20 traits except in time taken for first flowering, rhizome diameter, number of nodes per rhizome. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as a percent of mean was observed for 21 traits except in time taken for flowering and number of nodes per rhizome. Character association analysis revealed that stem diameter and inflorescence length showed highly significant and positively correlated with flower yield and rhizome yield per plant. Path analysis specified that the number of leaves per clump had a very high and positive direct effect on fresh flower yield per plant.

Performance of Horse Gram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (L.) Verdc] Germplasm for Seed Yield and Its Component Characters

The present investigation was carried out with 78 diverse horse gram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (L.) Verdc] genotypes along with 4 checks during the late Kharif season. Data was recorded on days to 50 percent flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of branches per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plant, pod weight (g), seed yield per plant (g), and 100-seed weight (g). Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among all the genotypes for all the characters studied. A wide range of variations had been observed for all the characters except for the number of seeds per pod. The highest coefficient of variation was observed in the number of pods per plant followed by 100 seed weight and seed yield per plant. The phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) were higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits but the differences were narrow. The highest magnitude of PCV and GCV were recorded for seed yield per plant (g) followed by pod weight (g) indicating a wide range of variation which provides a chance for yield improvement. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, pod weight, seed yield per plant, and 100 seed weight indicating additive gene action and the abundant scope for improvement in these traits through simple selection. This study provides information about the performance of the genotypes and identifies some prominent genotypes. Thirty-three genotypes recorded significantly higher seed yield per plant as compared to the best-performing check. These genotypes were IC 426292, IC 470167, IC 426471, IC 470229, IC 470206, IC 470262, IC 426464, IC 107247, IC 108076, IC 426550, IC 426540, IC 108078, IC 426537, IC 470166, IC 467865, CRHG-1, IC 426539, IC 426478, IC 426524, IC 426549, IC 426522, IC 470170, IC 261278, IC 470188, IC 426535, IC 107222, IC 226533, IC 426574, IC 426523, IC 526965, IC 426571, IC 426517 and IC 426538. These genotypes may be further used for parental selection in breeding programs for the improvement of yield and its attributes in horse gram.

Assessment of Various Variability Parameters and Correlation of Quantitative Characters in Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines

The present research problem was carried out to assess the variability parameters, heritability, genetic advance and correlations among various quantitative traits in maize inbred lines. A total of 69 inbred lines were evaluated in alpha lattice design with 2 replications at Winter Nursery Centre, Hyderabad. ANOVA results displays genotypes were significantly different from each other. From the results it was depicted that Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV) was higher than Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) indicating the influence of environment. The traits, No. of kernels per row, Cob weight, Grain yield per cob showed high GCV and PCV values likewise Days to 50% tasseling, Days to 50% silking and Days to 75% dry husk showed low GCV and PCV values. Most of the characters showed high heritability and traits such as Plant height, Tassel length, Ear length, No. of kernels per row, Cob weight and Grain yield per cob showed high GAM and its values ranged from 21.5% to 101.30%. So, the traits such as No. of kernels per row, Cob weight and Grain yield per cob can be used for further crop improvement in the breeding programme. Of all the traits under study except, Days to 50% tasseling, Days to 50% silking and Days to 75% dry husk showed positive significant correlation with grain yield per cob indicating selection for the traits will enhance the grain yield whereas the excepted traits showed negative significant association with grain yield per cob indicating selection for these traits is also essential as it reduces duration of crop.