Phenotypic Coefficient Of Variation Research Articles

Evaluation of Turfgrasses for Qualitative and Quantitative Traits in Varanasi Region of India

The present experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. This study was carried out to evaluate performance of eleven turfgrass genotypes for qualitative traits, quantitative traits and their genetic variability under same climatic condition. The experimental design was a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Eleven genotypes consist of Bermuda grass, Centipede grass, Panama grass, Bargusto grass, Tiftdwarf 419 grass, Local grass, Palma grass, Bahia grass, Manila grass, Crow Foot grass and Tanu Variant grass. These were assessed for their suitability to be used as turfgrass under Varanasi region. All the grasses exhibited semi prostrate growth habit except local grass having upright growth habit. Panama and Local grass showed fine leaf texture whereas, Manila grass exhibited coarse texture. Dark green colour was observed in Local, Crow Foot and Panama grass whereas, Centipede grass showed light green colour. Local grass exhibited maximum canopy height, leaf length, leaf width, chlorophyll content, stolen internode diameter, culm length, shoot length and shoot diameter. The maximum genotypic (187.22) and phenotypic variance (197.80) was observed for parameters like fresh weight. Canopy height showed maximum phenotypic coefficient of variation (47.04) and genotypic coefficient of variation (46.16) over all the parameters. Genetic advance maximum (27.49) for parameter fresh weight and genetic advance as a percentage of mean was maximum also for fresh weight (93.30). The maximum heritability at broad sense was observed for the parameter dry weight (98.25).

Study of Genetic Variability in F2 Population for Yield Enhancing Traits under Direct Seed Condition in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The present investigation was conducted to assess the variability, frequency distribution of grain yield and yield attributing traits in F2 generation of DRR Dhan 60 × Pusa 44 (NIL). In order to better understand the genetics of DSR and develop rice genotypes that are aerobic conditions-suited, genetic diversity is crucial. The experimental material consists of 236 F2 plants along with parents which were planted in DSR plot at ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad. Data recorded for the traits viz., Days to 50% flowering, Plant height, Number of tillers per plant, Flag leaf length, Flag leaf width, Number of panicles per plant, Panicle length, Number of spikelets per panicle, Number of filled grains per panicle, Number of chaffy grains per panicle, Spikelet fertility, Spikelet sterility, 1000-grain weight and Grain yield per plant. The traits, number of productive tillers per plant, number of tillers per plant, flag leaf length and grain yield per plant have high genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation. For productive tillers per plant, number of tillers per plant, flag leaf length, and grain yield per plant, high GCV and PCV along with high heritability and high genetic advance as a percentage of mean were noted. This suggests an additive type of gene action and that selection for these traits is effective. These findings indicate that, in aerobic conditions, there was adequate genetic diversity for most of the characters under investigation.

Genetic variation and association of yield, yield components, and carbon storage in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) genotypes

Trait heritability and the response to selection depend on genetic variation, a prerequisite to developing sorghum varieties with desirable agronomic traits and high carbon sequestration for sustainable crop production and soil health. The present study aimed to assess the extent of genetic variability and associations among agronomic and carbon storage traits in selected sorghum genotypes to identify the best candidates for production or breeding. Fifty genotypes were evaluated at Ukulinga, Bethlehem and Silverton sites in South Africa during the 2022/23 growing season. The following agronomic and carbon storage traits were collected: days to 50% heading (DTH), days to 50% maturity (DTM), plant height (PH), total plant biomass (PB), shoot biomass (SB), root biomass (RB), root-to-shoot biomass ratio (RS), grain yield (GY), harvest index (HI), shoot carbon content (SCc), root carbon content (RCc), grain carbon content (GCc), total plant carbon stock (PCs), shoot carbon stock (SCs), root carbon stock (RCs), and root-to-shoot carbon stock ratio (RCs/SCs), and grain carbon stock (GCs). Higher genotypic coefficient of variations (GCVs) were recorded for GY at 45.92%, RB (39.24%), RCs/SCs (38.45), and RCs (34.62). Higher phenotypic coefficient of variations (PCVs) were recorded for PH (68.91%), followed by GY (51.8%), RB (50.51%), RS (41.96%), RCs/SCs (44.90%), and GCs (41.90%). High broad-sense heritability and genetic advance were recorded for HI (83.76 and 24.53%), GY (78.59 and 9.98%), PB (74.14 and 13.18%) and PCs (53.63 and 37.57%), respectively, suggesting a marked genetic contribution to the traits. Grain yield exhibited positive association with HI (r = 0.76; r = 0.79), DTH (r = 0.13; r = 0.31), PH (r = 0.1; r = 0.27), PB (r = 0.01; r = 0.02), RB (r = 0.05; r = 0.06) based on genotypic and phenotypic correlations, respectively. Further, the path analysis revealed significant positive direct effects of SB (0.607) and RB (0.456) on GY. The RS exerted a positive and significant indirect effect (0.229) on grain yield through SB. The study revealed that PB, SB, RB, RS, RCs, and RCs/SCs are the principal traits when selecting sorghum genotypes with high yield and carbon storage capacity.

Genetic Variability Studies for Morpho-Physiological and Yield-attributing Traits in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L. Beauv.)

Foxtail millet is an underutilized crop which has high nutritional values and wide genetic resources, possessing the ability to tolerate several abiotic stresses efficiently. Those resources must be used in order to improve desired traits, primarily yield attributes. This investigation was carried out to assess the genetic parameters, such as variability, per se performance, heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean (GAM) for sixteen morpho-physiological, yield-attributing traits in fifty foxtail millet germplasm accessions at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nandyal during Rabi, 2023-2024. The study revealed the wide range of variation for all studied traits and that the accessions SiA 3290, SiA 4345, and SiA 4391 had potential for most traits and a high grain yield per plant. Thus, after multilocation testing, these accessions might be exploited for commercial cultivation. The assessment revealed that the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was slightly greater than the corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), indicating the influence of the environment on the manifestation of these traits. It was also observed that the traits viz.., photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, abortive grain rate, and grain yield per plant had high PCV and GCV and these traits significantly contributed to the overall variability and scope for selection. High heritability in combination with high GAM was observed for photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, 1000-grain weight, fodder yield per plant and grain yield per plant. This indicates that, these traits are mostly governed by additive genes and thus making them suitable for simple direct selection to improve these traits and further breeding efforts focused on increasing yields.

Genetic Variability Studies for Yield and its Attributing Traits in Rice F4 Mapping Population (Oryza sativa L.)

An experiment was conducted at ICAR-IIRR during the wet season of 2023 in a mapping population derived from the cross TI-128 X BPT-5204, along with five checks in an augmented block design with eight blocks. This study revealed that, significant variability was present among the population for all the traits examined. High genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for number of tillers per plant (29.68), number of productive tillers per plant (30.56) and total number of grains per panicle (29.66). High phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for the trait grain yield per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was recorded for number of tillers per plant, number of productive tillers per plant, total number of grains per panicle and grain yield per plant showing that these traits are regulated by additive gene effects, making them suitable for selection criteria in rice breeding programs. The traits viz., number of tillers per plant (0.42***), number of productive tillers per plant (0.41***), filled grains per panicle (0.20**), total number of grains per panicle (0.18**) and test weight (0.18**) exhibited significantly positive association with grain yield per plant.

Genetic Variability in Mango Clones of Langra cv. for Physical-bio Chemical Parameters at Kymore Plateau and Satpura Hills of Madhya Pradesh, India

The present study was carried out to assess the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for different characters in 40 clones of mango. The study was conducted at Fruit Research Station (Farm), Imalia for evaluating the variability of Langra clones in Randomized block design. All the characters showed very small difference between genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and respective phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), indicated that all the characters were least affected by environment. The high phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation were observed for pulp %, peel %, stone %, pulp : stone ratio, pulp : peel ratio, fiber %, density of lenticels, fruit weight kg, acidity %, reducing sugar % in the both years. High heritability coupled with genetic advance were observed for all characters studies indicating these characters are governed by additive gene action and phenotypic selection may be more fruitful. Hence, direct selection may be followed for the improvement of mango for these characters.

Genetic Variability Studies in the Interspecific Derivatives (S. indicum x S. mulayanum) of Sesame

The present study aims to assess genetic variability for agronomic characters in the interspecific population developed by hybridization between Sesamum indicum (Swetha til) x Sesamum mulayanum (IC-43144-1). Experimental materials were raised during late Kharif-2023 at ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad. A total of 80 F6 interspecific derivatives were evaluated along with four check varieties namely GT-10, Swetha Til, IC-43144-1 (S. mulayanum), CUMS-17 in Augmented Randomised Complete Block Design (ARCBD). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed, significant variability in the interspecific derivatives for all the traits studied viz., days for emergence, days for flowering initiation, days for flower session, days for maturity, plant height, number of primary branches per plant, total number of capsules per plant, capsule length, test weight, harvest index and seed yield per plant. The magnitude of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) values were higher for the traits viz., total number of capsules per plant, harvest index, seed yield per plant, hence improvement through selection could be possible. Phenological traits such as days for emergence, plant height, number of primary branches per plant, total number of capsules per plant, harvest index and seed yield per plant exhibited a high heritability along with a high genetic advance as per cent of mean, indicating additive gene action in the expression of these traits. Simple phenotypic selection may be effective for improving these characters. So, the selection based on these traits should be prioritized in the selection process of interspecific hybrids of sesame breeding programme.

Kernel Trait and Genetic Variability Analysis in BC2F1 Maize Lines Derived from Zea nicaraguensis Crosses

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important cereal crop with significant applications in food, feed and industrial applications. This study aimed to increase maize yield and quality by evaluating core traits in introgressed Zea nicaraguensis individual’s recipients of LM13 and LM14 maize inbred lines. Kernel type, shape, color, dimensions and weight were assessed in 35 BC2F1 plants using standardized descriptor guidelines. Analysis of genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, heritability and genetic progress showed significant genetic diversity and the influence of environmental factors. Significant sources of variability highlighted by principal component analysis were kernel color, endosperm color, and 100-seed weight. High heritability and genetic progress in kernel color and length-to-width ratio indicate great selection potential. Reintroducing the diversity lost in cultivated maize inherent in Zea nicaraguensis has the potential to improve both its agronomic performance and quality. Future research should aim to identify genetic markers and examine the interaction between genetic and environmental influences to optimize maize varieties for specific environments and consumer preferences, ultimately contributing to global food security and agricultural sustainability.

Primerjalna ocena hranilne in nehranilne kakovosti je odkrila, da ima sladki krompir z belim založnim parenhimom boljše lastnosti kot tisti z oranžnim

Recent introduction of beta-carotene rich orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) has resulted to consumers’ low demands for traditional white-fleshed sweet potatoes (TWFSP), without due consideration of their nutritional qualities. This study appraised the nutritional compositions of OFSP and TWFSP. They were analyzed for mineral content, antinutrients, and phytochemicals at National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike. The field experiment was conducted using randomized complete block design with three replicates. TWFSP showed higher concentrations of minerals, anti-nutrients and phytochemicals than OFSP. In TWFSP, potassium ranged from 1879.20 ± 0.01 mg kg-1 (‘B3V3’) to 1960.30 ± 0.01 mg kg-1 (‘B2V2’) while in OFSP it varied from 1162.60 ± 0.02 mg kg-1 (‘B26T26’) to 1800.20 ± 0.01 mg kg-1 (‘B10T10’). The antinutrients and phytochemicals results showed that flavonoids in TWFSP ranged from 0.30 ± 0.01 mg TAE kg-1 (‘B1V1’) to 970.50 ± 0.02 mg TAE kg-1 (B3V3) while it varied from 0.20 ± 0.01 mg TAE kg-1 (‘B4T4’) to 670.30 ± 0.01 mg TAE kg-1 (‘B8T8’) in OFSP. Heritability estimates were high for all antinutrients and minerals while genetic advance was high only for potassium (42.206) and phosphorus (10.288) traits. Variation between phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation was negligible, with the former higher for most minerals and antinutrients. TWFSP were found richer than OFSP, and suggests improvement by selection.

Assessment of Genetic Variability, Correlation, and Path Coefficient for Yield and Its Contributing Traits in Pigeon Pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh

The experimental material consisted of 155 pigeon pea genotypes sown in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications during the Kharif, 2023-2024 crop season at the N. E. B. Crop Research Centre of G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. The genetic variance components, correlation, and path coefficient for seed yield and its components were estimated using these 155 pigeon pea genotypes. The highest phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) values (> 20%) were recorded for traits such as the number of pods per plant (26.45%), number of secondary branches per plant (22.72%), and seed yield per plant (20.27%). In contrast, the lowest PCV estimates (< 10%) were found for days to maturity (7.39%) and days to 50% flowering (6.73%). High estimates of the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) (> 20%) were recorded only for the number of pods per plant (23.6%). The lowest GCV estimates (< 10%) were observed for hundred seed weight (9.63%), number of seeds per pod (9.55%), plant height (9.49%), pod length (7.18%), days to maturity (6.85%), and days to 50% flowering (6.5%). The hundred seed weight showed a high positive direct effect on seed yield per plant (Genotypic = 0.58, Phenotypic = 0.47) along with a positive and significant correlation (Genotypic correlation coefficient, (rg = 0.599); Phenotypic correlation coefficient, (rp = 0.485)). Based on this investigation, it is evident that exploring genetic variability, correlations, and path analyses provides a more effective approach for selecting superior cultivars for yield and related traits.

Variability and Correlation-coefficient Analysis for Some Proximate Components of Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet Genotypes of Assam

Background: Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet is an important and primarily consumed vegetable crop in Assam. Large number of genotypes of Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet are available in Assam, India, which are prosperous source of the gene pool. However, there has been limited understanding of the genetic background of the various proximate components of Lablab, although we primarily use the crop for these proximate components. The present study helps us understand the genetic background of the various proximate components so that they can be efficiently utilized to further improve the genotypes. Methods: Sixteen (16) genotypes of Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet of Assam were collected from the 6 (six) Agro-climatic zones of Assam, their genetic variability were assessed and correlation analysis with respect to their proximate components during the period 2020-2023. The various proximate components that were analyzed includes moisture, ash, fibre, fat, crude protein content and total carbohydrate content. Various genetic parametres were also determined which included heritability, genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variance (GCV and PCV) and genetic advance percentage of mean (GAPM). Result: Significant differences were found among the genotypes in all studied traits in the study. GCV and PCV revealed variability and less influence of the environment that supports the influence of heritable components on traits. High heritability and genetic advance for all the traits indicated action of additive genes. Heritability along with GAPM is a positive indicator of expected progress through selection. The study will help us in understanding the genetic parameters associated with the various proximate components.

Study on Genetic Variability for Forage Yield and Quality Traits in Forage Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor L. Moench

The initial research related to germplasm screening was carried out in the experimental area of Instructional Dairy Farm, GBPUAT Pantnagar during kharif season 2018. The experimental material for this experiment consisted of two hundreds and eighty diverse germplasm lines of sorghum along with six checks viz., SSG 59-3, Pant Chari- 5, Pant Chari- 6, CSV-21 F, CSH-22S, and CSV-24SS. The germplasm lines were evaluated in Augmented Block Design for nineteen forage yield related traits and thirteen quality traits. The statistical analysis for genetic variability was done using analysis of variance (ANOVA), heritability (h2), genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), and genetic advance (GA). The analysis of variance revealed that the genotypes and checks were showing a highly significant differences for all the traits under study indicated existence of inherent genetic differences among genotypes for different characters. Mean performance of forage yield and quality related traits exhibited a wide range of variability. GCV and PCV values were observed low for most of the characters whereas high for anthracnose, zonate leaf spot and shoot fly incidence. The value of genetic advance was observed high for leaf area, green fodder yield per plant, dry fodder yield per plant, hydrocyanic acid content, plant height, anthracnose, and shoot fly incidence were relatively more than other characters. Genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed low for days to maturity, dry matter per cent, in-vitro dry matter disappearance, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, cellulose content whereas high for leaf area, flag leaf width, panicle length, panicle width, 1000-grains weight, grain yield per plant, green fodder yield per plant, dry fodder yield per plant, total soluble solids, silica content, anthracnose, zonate leaf spot and shoot fly incidence. Heritability values were found high for all the traits under study. The genotypes bearing the desired values for different genetic variability parameters and mean performance for can be exploited in future breeding programmes for the improving forage genotypes. These genotypes can be used as donor parents in crop improvement programme for improving forage yield and quality related traits along with improved resistance against anthracnose, shooty fly and zonate leaf spot.

Genetic variability, diversity, and character association for dry fruit yield and quality in chili

ABSTRACT Despite the high nutritional value and extensive consumer preference for chili, productivity levels in India are significantly low. An experiment was carried out to study the variability, genetic diversity, and character association in 30 genotypes. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes for all the traits under study. A high magnitude of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation, coupled with heritability and genetic advance, was observed for all the traits, except days to first flowering, days to first fruit set, and days to final harvest. Diversity analysis showed that the maximum intercluster distance was observed between clusters IX and XII. Results of correlation and path coefficient analysis indicated that number of fruits per plants, fruit length, fruit weight, green fruit yield per plant, number of seeds per fruit, days to first flowering, and days to final harvest were positively correlated with dry fruit yield. It is concluded that improvement in fruit yield in chili pepper could be achieved by selecting genotypes from clusters IX and XII as parents for hybridization, and traits as components that have positive effect on yield.

Trunk distortion weakens the tree productivity revealed by half-sib progeny determination of Pinus yunnanensis

Twisted trunks are not uncommon in trees, but their effects on tree growth are still unclear. Among coniferous tree species, the phenomenon of trunk distortion is more prominent in Pinus yunnanensis. To expand the germplasm of genetic resources, we selected families with excellent phenotypic traits to provide material for advanced generation breeding. The progeny test containing 93 superior families (3240 trees) was used as the research material. Phenotypic measurements and estimated genetic parameters (family heritability, realistic gain and genetic gain) were performed at 9, 15, and 18 years of age, respectively. The genetic evaluation yielded the following results (1) The intra-family variance component of plant height (PH) was greater than that of the inter-family, while the inter-family variance components of other traits (diameter at breast height (DBH), crown diameter (CD), height under branches (HUB), degree of stem-straightness (DS)) were greater than that of the intra-family, indicating that there was abundant variation among families and potential for selection. (2) At half rotation period (18 years old), there was a significant correlation among the traits. The proportion of trees with twisted trunks (level 1–3 straightness) reached 48%. The DS significantly affected growth traits, among which PH and DBH were the most affected. The volume loss rate caused by twisted trunk was 18.06-56.75%, implying that trunk distortion could not be completely eliminated after an artificial selection. (3) The influence of tree shape, crown width, and trunk on volume increased, and the early-late correlation between PH, DBH and volume was extremely significant. The range of phenotypic coefficient of variation, genetic variation coefficient and family heritability of growth traits (PH, DBH, and volume) were 44.29-127.13%, 22.88-60.87%, and 0.79–0.83, respectively. (4) A total of 21 superior families were selected by the method of membership function combined with independent selection. Compared with the mid-term selection (18 years old), the accuracy of early selection (9 years old) reached 77.5%. The selected families’ genetic gain and realistic gain range were 5.79-19.82% and 7.12-24.27%, respectively. This study can provide some useful reference for the breeding of coniferous species.

Morphological Characterization and Genetic Diversity Analyses of Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Sweet Corn (Zea mays var. saccharata)

The genetic diversity among the genotypes were useful resources that enabled breeders to comprehend the performance of attributes or genotypes. This understanding is crucial in selecting appropriate genotypes or traits for hybridization programmes. A total of 15 sweet corn genotypes were utilized to assess the characteristics of genetic diversity, correlation, path coefficient and genetic divergence study. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) exceeded the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits examined, suggesting certain degree of interaction with the environment. The heritability estimates for all variables examined in this study were found to be high. The genetic advance as per cent of mean (GAM) identified a significant difference between high and low values. The traits ear weight with husk, ear weight without husk, husk ratio, chlorophyll content, ear length, ear girth, number of rows per ear, number of kernels per row, 100 kernel weight, shelling percentage, cob yield per plot and fodder yield per plot exhibited high heritability and high GAM. Furthermore, the correlation analysis revealed a significant and positive association for the aforementioned attributes. Additionally, the path coefficient analysis for these traits indicated a favourable direct influence. A total of 15 genotypes were categorized into seven clusters based on their genetic distance. The features that made the biggest contribution to divergence were fodder yield per plot (21%) and shelling percentage (21%), followed by ear weight (14%) and cob yield per plot (10%). The results of this study would be valuable for identifying the desirable characteristics and genetic makeup that can be used in future breeding programmes aimed at enhancing the production of corn cobs in sweet corn.

Genetic variability and trait associations in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes under drought-stressed and well-watered conditions

Drought is one of the most important yield-limiting abiotic stresses threatening wheat production and productivity. Development of wheat genotypes with enhanced grain yield under drought-stressed conditions depend on the extent of genetic variation present for drought tolerance-related traits. This study was carried out to determine the level of genetic variation and associations of yield and yield attributing traits among 196 bread wheat genotypes under drought-stressed and well-watered conditions. The genotypes were evaluated under greenhouse and field conditions and phenotyped for yield and yield-related traits. The genotypes varied significantly for the traits under both conditions. Grain yield ranged from 2.13 to 3.74 t ha−1 and from 2.52 to 5.06 t ha−1 under drought-stressed and well-watered conditions, respectively. Under both conditions, variances due to genotype were higher than environment and genotype × environment interaction variances for all the traits. Estimates of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits under both conditions, with both PCV and GCV being highest for kernel weight spike−1 and lowest for spike fertility. Under both conditions, broad-sense heritability estimates ranged from moderately high to very high, accompanied with high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean. Fertile spikelets spike−1, one thousand kernel weight, kernel weight spike−1, biomass yield and harvest index manifested high positive genotypic and phenotypic correlations and positive direct effects on grain yield under both conditions. The first five principal components accounted for 78.4% (well-watered) and 76.0% (drought-stressed) of the variation among the genotypes. The 196 genotypes were delineated into six major clusters under both water conditions, with clusters 3 (well-watered) and cluster 5 (drought-stressed) containing genotypes with the highest ability to tolerate drought stress. Genotypes Alidoro, Bolo, Dinknesh, ETBW8491 and ETBW172938 had high stable yields under both conditions. The identified traits and genotypes were drought tolerant and could be exploited to develop novel genotypes for drought stress tolerance.

Variability analysis of the Phenotypic Characteristics of some Grapefruit and Pomelo under Moroccan Conditions

Citrus is an economically important fruit crop with a long history of cultivation worldwide, and many citrus varieties are grown extensively in Morocco, both for domestic consumption and export. Nevertheless, the genetic diversity of this genus in Morocco has not been reported upon. Our objective was to explore phenotypic variations in grapefruit and pomelo genotypes for targeted breeding, enhancing key traits, and identifying opportunities for genetic improvement. We emphasize practical implications and outline future research directions for developing improved citrus varieties. This present study physiochemically analyzes eight grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) and two pomelo (Citrus maxima) cultivars to assess the genetic variability of these fruits’ physicochemical characteristics. The results revealed significant variance among the genotypes for all traits. For example, the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits. Moreover, a high degree of heritability was recorded for seed number, β-carotene, vitamin C, juice yield (%), total soluble solids, titratable acidity, maturity index, fruit diameter, and fruit weight, whereas limited heritability was observed for fruit length, peel thickness, and segment number per fruit. The high genetic advance scores corresponded to the high degree of heritability estimates for seed number per fruit, β-carotene, juice yield, and vitamin C, suggesting the existence of additive genetic effects. Our principal component analysis (PCA) identified four components with cumulative variance of 93.20%, while hierarchical cluster analysis grouped the collection into five clusters. In conclusion, phenotypic distinctions among grapefruit and pomelo genotypes reveal opportunities for genetic enhancement through selection or hybridization. Varied traits, including seed count, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and juice yield, across genotypes suggest potential avenues for targeted breeding and practical applications in diverse citrus varieties.

Study on the Evaluation Genetic Variability of Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus) Cultivars Under Agro –Climatic Conditions of Prayagraj

Aims: A field experiment was carried out to “Study on Evaluating Genetic Variability of Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) Cultivars under Agro –Climatic conditions of Prayagraj”. Place and Duration of Study: An experiment was carried out in the Department of Horticulture during the Rabi season of 2023-2024. Study Design: Randomized Block Design. Methodology: The analysis of the data showed that phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all characters studied, indicating that environmental factors had a significant influence on these characters. In addition, positive and highly significant correlations were observed in between tuber yield per plant (gm) and various other traits including the No. of leaves at 30DAS, 60DAS and 90DAS and No. of shoots per plant, days for the first flowering, peduncle length, No. of florets per spike, No. of ears per plant, length of floret, diameter of floret, No. of corms per plant and diameter of corms, weight of corms and No. of corms per hectare and No. of corms per hectare. Results: The mean sum of squares due to genotypes showed significant differences for all characters under study for except days taken for emergence of flower spike and days taken to show color of basal floret. High magnitude of GCV were recorded for No. of leaves (52.70), Corm yield/plant (46.40), No. of cormels/hectare(39.12), Cormel diameter(38.36), No. of corms/hectare(28.97), No. of corms per plant(28.97), No. of leaves at 60DAS(26.64), No. of shoot(26.64). The genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficient of different characters with Corms yield/plant (g) and their relationship among themselves Conclusion: Genotypic and Phenotypic correlation revealed that corms weight/plant (g) showed positive significant association with plant height, number of leavesper plant, number of shoots per plant, rachis length, no. of cormels per hectare and corm yield/ plant at both levels genotypic and phenotypic.

Evaluation of different spring rice genotypes for seedling stage growth at Tulsipur, Dang, Nepal

Rice is the fundamental staple crop of Nepal. For food security, the production rate of main season rice is insufficient; nevertheless, spring rice can be a possibility. Spring rice is short duration crop as compared to the main season crop as, it can be best utilized through its cultivation. An experiment on spring rice (Oryza sativa) was performed to examine ten different elite rice genotypes in irrigated seedling stage at Campus of Live Sciences, Tulsipur, Dang from April to May 2023 with an objective to assess the response of different genotypes of seedling stage under controlled environment condition and to compare seedling stage growth and development of different spring rice variety The study was conducted with three replications on a completely randomized design (CRD). Data on the seedlings' growth was gathered at intervals of ten days. The outcome showed that there were statistical differences in morphological features between various genotypes. In comparison to other plants, IR09R270 had the highest average plant height (12.9 cm), IR17A106 had the greatest amount of leaves (2.44), IR09R270 had the greatest length of leaves (6.59 cm), Svin080 had the widest leaves (0.18 cm), IR112208B-B-RGA-BRGA had the longest shoots length (16.46 cm), and IR112208B-B-RGA-BRGA had the longest roots length (9.30 cm). The sample with the highest percentage of germination (85.65%) was IR112208B-B-RGA-BRGA. The majority of genotypes were found to have heritability more than 60%, indicating a greater contribution from genetic factors than environmental conditions. It was discovered that the phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) was marginally larger than the genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV), suggesting that the environment had little effect on how characters are expressed. The study's conclusions demonstrated that the rice genotypes IR09R270 and IR112208B-B-RGA-BRGA were preferable to other elite genotypes found in the Terai region. In conclusion under irrigated conditions, rice genotypes IR09R270 and IR112208B-B-RGA-BRGA performed well.

Study on Genetic Variability and Heritability in F3 Population of Yard Long Bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdcourt) for Yield and its Components

Yardlong bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdcourt), is significant among legume vegetable crops. Global warming and climate change can significantly impact its cultivation, yield, and production. This study examined the F3 population of five yardlong bean families: F3-1, F3-2, F3-3, F3-4, and F3-5. The findings revealed that all five families exhibited high phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for yield per plant, indicating substantial variability for these traits in their progenies. For all the characters under consideration, the genotypic variation coefficient was lower than the phenotypic coefficient of variation. High heritability, along with high genetic advance per mean (GAM), was observed in pod weight, pods per plant, yield per plant, and vine length. This indicates significant potential for selecting these traits within these specific populations due to the wide range of variation and the influence of additive gene action. The study will help in selecting traits for further crop improvement programs.