Significant Genotypic Correlation Research Articles

Assessing genotypic diversity by multivariate analysis and predicting useful selection ranges using decision tree in soybean (Glycine max L.)

The existence of sufficient genetic variability and knowing the suitable selection criterion ranges are indispensable requirements of breeding studies. This study aimed to explore genetic diversity in ten F2 populations (heterozygous–heterogeneous), five parents, and three commercial check cultivars by multivariate methods and to predict useful selection ranges using a decision tree model for further breeding studies. Hybridizations were made in 2019, F1 populations were grown, and F2 seeds were obtained in 2020. Genotypes were grown according to an Augmented Randomized Complete-Block Design in 2021 at Aydın Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Agriculture. Results revealed considerable genetic diversity and transgressive segregation in key characteristics across the F2 populations. Seed yields of F2 plants are higher than those of the parents. The seed protein and oil content of the F2 plants were not different from the parents and commercial checks. Higher phenotypic than genotypic variance indicated a high influence of environment on the inheritance of all studied characteristics. The highest broad heritability was observed in the number of shattered pods per plant (94.81 %) and the lowest in infertile pods per plant (2.16 %). Seed yield showed a significant and positive genotypic correlation with the number of fertile pods per plant (0.61**) and a significant negative association with the number of fertile branches per plant (−0.53**). Principal component analysis (PCA) of 14 quantitative characteristics showed that soybean genotypes separated by the first four components contributed 71.12 % of total genetic variation, with important yield-attributing characteristics present in PC1 and PC3, while important seed quality characteristics were noted in PC2. The decision tree model indicated that genotypes with high yield and optimum quality could be obtained by selecting the number of fertile pods 87–119 per plant and a hundred-seed weight greater than 14.55 g.

Study of Genetic Variability and Path Analysis for Yield in Greengram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)

The current study was conducted in order to estimate the genetic variability, Correlation and path analysis for yield and yield contributing traits assessed 31 genotypes of green gram during Zaid season 2023. The experiment followed a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 3 replications. Data were collected from 5 randomly selected plants from each genotype in each replication, among 13 different traits seed index had highest genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variance followed by number of pod per plant, while least GCV and PCV was recorded for days to maturity. High heritability was shown by plant height followed by number of seeds per pod. Seed index and harvest index had highly significant positive genotypic correlation with seed yields per plant. While days to maturity and days to 50% pod setting was recorded as highly significant negative genotypic correlation with seed yields per plant. Plant height followed by primary branches per plant, biological yield seed index and harvest index was recorded as positive direct effect on seed yield per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic levels while days to maturity followed by clusters per plant, pods per plant and pod length was recorded as negative direct effect on seed yield per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. All the traits showed a strong and positive association with seed yield, proving that these traits actually correlate with one another. Therefore, identifying high yielding genotypes from highly segregating populations would be made easier with the use of direct selection for these traits.

Synthetic cultivar development in cumin: Enhancing yield and drought tolerance

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is a valuable spice crop with medicinal properties belonging to the Apiaceae family. While farmers often favor the cultivation of cumin, low seed yield, particularly under drought stress, poses challenges to its commercial production. Due to cumin small flowers, self-incompatibility, and cross-pollination attributes, the production of synthetic varieties through polycross breeding can be an effective method for improving seed performance and enhancing drought tolerance in cumin. This study, for the first time, investigates the breeding progress of cumin in three populations over two generations. The first generation resulting from polycross breeding (SYN2 population), along with parental genotypes, was evaluated for agro-morphological traits under normal and low-water irrigation conditions in two locations and compared with the SYN1 population. Additionally, genetic diversity among parental genotypes, SYN1, and SYN2 populations was examined using Start Codon Targeted Polymorphism (SCoT) markers. Low water stress negatively affected all studied traits, except for essential oil content. Improved seed yield, increased drought tolerance, and higher cuminaldehyde content were observed in the SYN2 population compared to parental genotypes. Estimation of genetic parameters indicated a higher heritability and heterosis for traits in the SYN1 population compared to SYN2. Furthermore, trait heritability in the SYN2 population was higher under normal irrigation condition than under water stress. The highest narrow-sense heritability in both SYN1 and SYN2 populations was associated with the thousand-seed weight. Positive and significant phenotypic and genotypic correlations between thousand-seed weight and seed yield were observed in the SYN1 population, while the SYN2 population exhibited the least negative impact of drought stress on this trait. Grouping populations through cluster analysis and principal coordinate analysis based on both molecular and agro-morphological data showed complete concordance, effectively distinguishing cumin populations from one another. The SCoT molecular marker confirmed the homogeneity of the improved populations, demonstrating high efficiency in assessing intra- and inter-population diversity. Molecular variance analysis revealed lower within-population diversity (29 %) compared to between-population diversity (71 %). Among populations, SYN1, equivalent to F2 generation, exhibited the highest level of molecular diversity based on diversity indices.

Genetic Variability and Character Association Analysis in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Saline Water Condition

The study was conducted to evaluate eight germplasms/varieties of wheat during the rabi season (November-April, 2022–23) using a randomized block design with three replications at the research farm of Agricultural Research Sub-Station (ARSS), Nagaur (Rajasthan), India to estimate the variability parameters and characters association for nine characters. The results were revealed that mean sum of squares due to genotypes showed significant differences for all the nine characters under study, suggested that the genotypes were genetically divergent. The phenotypic coefficient of variation values was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation values for all the nine traits which reflect the influence of environment on the expression of traits. Spike length and number of spikelets were showed higher PCV and medium GCV. High heritability estimates were recorded for all the nine characters. High genetic advance as percentage of mean along with high heritability was observed for number of spikelets, spike length, number of effective tillers plant-1, seed yield and number of grains spike-1. This indicated the existence of lesser environmental influence and prevalence of additive gene action in their expression and these traits possessed high selective value. These characters could be further improved through individual plant selection. Grain yield had highly significant and positive genotypic and phenotypic correlations with plant height, number of effective tillers plant-1, spike length, number of spikelets and number of grains spike-1. These characters can be considered as criteria for selection for higher grain yield as these were mutually and directly associated with grain yield.

Trait Correlation and Path Study for Quantitative Traits in Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Genotypes

Garlic is a widely cultivated vegetable with both culinary and medicinal uses in Ethiopia. The analyses, focusing on various traits, help in identifying genotypes with high productivity and quality. Garlic reproduces solely vegetatively due to male and female sterility in its gametophytes. Its domestication originated from the wild species Allium longicuspis Regel. The introduction of diverse garlic varieties contributes to enhancing its genetic potential. This study aimed to assess the relationship between different traits and their influence on garlic bulb yield. The experiment conducted during the rainy season of 2020–2021 at the Fogera National Rice Research and Training Center in Ethiopia. The experiment included 49 garlic genotypes arranged in a simple lattice design with two replications. The results revealed significant genotypic correlation coefficients between fresh bulb yield per hectare and bulb weight per plant (r = 0.82***), pseudo-stem height (r = 0.82***), and clove weight (r = 0.81***). Similarly, significant positive phenotypic associations were observed between fresh bulb yield per hectare and clove weight per bulb (r = 0.77***), pseudo-stem height (r = 0.77***), and bulb weight per plant (r = 0.76***). Further analysis indicated that pseudo-stem height (0.42) and clove weight (0.39) exerted the highest phenotypic direct effects on fresh bulb yield per hectare. Therefore, traits such as clove weight, pseudo-stem height, and bulb weight exhibit high genotypic coefficients and significant direct effects on total bulb yield, making them crucial for direct selection to increase bulb yield.

Selection Index in Rainfed Upland Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The present investigation was conducted in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during the period from May, 2014 to July, 2016. Twenty diverse rice genotypes were screened for drought tolerance. Screening was carried out in the target environment i. e. upland virippu. Morphological characters of the genotypes were studied. A selection index was developed for identifying the best six parents combining yield and drought tolerance. Twenty upland rice genotypes were assessed for study of genetic variability and construction of selection indices for enhancing selection efficiency. The indices were worked out on the basis of yield and eight component characters viz., panicle length, number of spikelets panicle-1, number of filled grains panicle-1, grain weight panicle-1, 1000 grain weight, straw yield plant-1, harvest index and biological yield plant-1 having high significant genotypic correlation with grain yield. Among the twenty genotypes Vaishak ranked first with the highest index value followed by Thottacheera, Kalladiaryan, Vyttila 6, Harsha and Swarnaprabha. The varieties with least index value were Uma, Aathira and Kanchana. The highest index value showing first six parents were considered for hybridization program for the development of drought tolerant variety.

Polygenic Variations and Character Association Study of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.) Genotypes for Yield and Quality Attributes

An experiment was conducted in the Vegetable Farm of Bihar Agricultural University in Rabi Season with the objective to study the genetic variability and character association for yield and quality attributes in thirty tomato genotypes. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The results indicated significant differences amongst the genotypes for all the characters studied. Yield per plant showed the highest coefficient of variations (56.41 %, 58.93%) at both genotypic and phenotypic level. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was also noted for average fruit weight (48.33%, 48.98%) and number of fruits/plant (35.14%, 33.55%). Traits like average fruit weight (97.4%, 41.85), number of fruits per plant (91.2%, 25.90), and plant height (95.8%, 69.38) exhibited high heritability coupled with high genetic advance. Genetic advance as percentage of mean ranged from 11.81-111.22% for different characters. The highest genetic advance as percentage of mean (111.2%) was recorded for yield per plant. Fruit yield per plant expressed highly significant and positive genotypic and phenotypic correlations with average fruit weight (0.697, 0.694), equatorial diameter (0.637, 0.596) and polar diameter (0.488, 0.454). The genotypes, Hisar Lalit, Pusa Ruby, Arka Alok, Pant T-7 and Pusa Rohini which have been found to be promising with respect to fruit weight and yield per plant may further be exploited to create new genetic variations by random mutation, somaclonal variation and modern molecular techniques for studying disease resistance, post-harvest and processing qualities.

Genetic analysis of tolerance to combined drought and heat stress in tropical maize.

Simultaneous occurrences of heat and drought stresses have a detrimental effect on growth, development and yield of maize. Heat and drought is expected to worsen maize yield losses under climate change. Selecting CDHS tolerant maize hybrids creates great opportunity for sustainable maize improvement in the tropics. The objective of current investigation was to dissect the genetic basis of CDHS tolerance in tropical maize and to determine performance of single cross hybrids under CDHS. Ninety six single-cross hybrids resulted from crossing 12 tassel blast tolerant and 12 tassel blast susceptible lines along with two Striga resistant commercial hybrids, a heat tolerant and a heat susceptible check hybrids were evaluated under FIRR, MDRTS and CDHS using 25x4 alpha lattice design with two replications. The results showed significant genetic variation for FIRR, MDRTS and CDHS tolerance among maize hybrids. The majority of single crosses that showed improved grain yield over their respective standard checks under MDRTS also exhibited improved grain yield over the same checks under CHDS, indicating development of CHDS tolerance hybrids. Significant and positive genotypic and phenotypic correlation of grain yield under MDRTS and CDHS implicated common genetic mechanisms controlling yield under MDRTS and CDHS. Stress tolerance indices YI, GMP, MP, HM and STI were identified as best selecting indices under both stresses. GCA variances were larger than SCA variances in each testing environment for most studied traits indicating the impotence of additive gene action than non-additive gene action to control these traits. Majority of stress indices and SCA effects demonstrated that hybrids HB18, HB41, HB91 and HB95 were high yielder under MDRTS and CDHS. Hybrids HB41, HB91 and HB95 and their parents' scored minimum tassel blast. Parents 19 and 7 were well general combiner for grain yield and early maturity under MDRTS and CDHS indicting their valuable source of genes for hybridization. The current findings revealed that CDHS tolerance hybrids can reduce expected yield losses and maintain maize productivity in CDHS prone areas. Promising hybrids should be tested further under various drought and CHDS for commercialization.

Transforming Agriculture through Nanotechnology: A Comprehensive Overview

Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative force in agriculture, offering innovative solutions to address critical challenges in food production, sustainability, and resource management. This comprehensive overview explores the multifaceted impact of nanotechnology on agriculture, providing insights into its potential to revolutionize the sector and by elucidating the fundamental principles of nanotechnology and its applicability in agriculture, emphasizing nanomaterials’ unique properties that enable precise manipulation at the molecular and nanoscale levels. It explores diverse applications, including nanoparticle-based nutrient delivery systems, nanoencapsulation for controlled release of agrochemicals, and the development of nanosensors for real-time monitoring of crop health and environmental parameters. Furthermore, this delves into the emerging field of precision farming enabled by nanotechnology, where data-driven decision-making and targeted interventions optimize resource utilization, minimize environmental impacts, and maximize crop yields. It examines the potential of nano pesticides in integrated pest management, highlighting their eco-friendly nature and reduced environmental contamination. Nanotechnology’s role in soil management and remediation is also discussed, showcasing its capacity to improve soil health, remediate contaminated lands, and enhance nutrient availability. The review sheds light on the application of nanofertilizers, which not only enhance nutrient use efficiency but also mitigate nutrient runoff, contributing to sustainable agriculture. While nanotechnology holds immense promise, it is imperative to consider safety and environmental implications. This examines the challenges and regulatory considerations surrounding the use of nanomaterials in agriculture, emphasizing the need for responsible development and rigorous risk assessment.

Unclenching the potentials of global core germplasm for root nodulation traits for increased biological nitrogen fixation and productivity in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Chickpea being an important food legume crop is able to fix the atmospheric nitrogen and form root nodules that support biologicalnitrogen fixation- a sustainable alternative for nitrogen supply to agriculture worldwide. In order to support findings on nodule formation in chickpeas, a diverse core set of 300 chickpea genotypes, including four checks, was evaluated for morphological and nodulation traits in four different environments. The maximum genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed for a number of nodules, nodule fresh weight, shoot fresh weight, and number of seeds per plant. The heritability for most of the characters ranged from 26.56 for days to 50% flowering to 99.61 for a number of pods per plant. The genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficient analysis revealed that the number of nodules was positively correlated with seed yield. Further, seed yield was partitioned into direct and indirect effects at genotypic and phenotypic levels through path coefficient analysis. Significant genotypic correlations and direct positive effects were exhibited by a number of nodules and number of pods per plant on grain yield. Based on the D2 statistics, the number of seeds per plant, number of pods per plant, shoot fresh weight and number of nodules have been identified as top-ranking yield contributing traits. The genotypes ICC1013 and ICC16569 for a number of nodules and ICC1049 for the trait number of seeds per plant were identified as potential stable donors for the respective traits with high mean yield, heritability and genetic advance across the locations and can be used as donors in the chickpea breeding programs for increasing biological nitrogen fixation and enhancement of the crop productivity.

Genetic Diversity and Association of Yield-Related Traits in Taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) Sourced from Different Agroecological Origins of Nigeria

Taro’s production is characterized by low productivity due to a lack of sufficient improved cultivars suited to the different growing areas coupled with biotic and abiotic stresses. The first step in plant breeding program is to examine and quantify variations for traits of interest in a given set of genotypes so those variations can be exploited in breeding programmes. One hundred taro accessions were evaluated for 16 quantitative traits in a simple lattice design with the objective of estimating variability and determine and quantify association of characters with yield. Multienvironment trial analysis combined over seasons showed highly significant differences among taro accessions for several traits. Yield per plant showed a strong, positive, and highly significant genotypic correlation with plant height (0.99), leaf area (0.82), corm weight (0.99), and cormel weight (0.99). Genotypic path coefficient analysis showed plant height (1.49), leaf area (0.97), corm weight (0.76), and cormel weight (0.21) exerted a high positive direct effect on yield per plant indicating true relationship between the characters. Accessions EBNFC054, EBNFC045, EBNFC100, EBNFC046, EBNFC032, EBNFC075, EBNFC084, EBNFC057, and EBNFC037 were superior and could be promoted to field evaluation. This assessment of variability and associations can assist breeders to tap the potential of the genotypes for certain traits and identify major traits that could be used as a basis for the selection of superior taro genotypes.

Association between traits related to fruit quality in papaya (Carica papaya L.) hybrids and their implications for selection

AbstractThe knowledge of the associations between the variables and the cause–effect discrimination allows the breeders to make efficient of new cultivars development with traits that meet the demands of producers and consumers. Therefore, the present work aimed to study the associations among the quality variables of papaya (Carica papaya L.) fruits and the effects on selection process. Eight variables related to fruit quality were evaluated in 62 topcross hybrids. The phenotypic and genotypic correlations and path analyses were performed to verify the associations between the variables and the effects on pulp volume. Canonical correlation analysis between primary and secondary quality variables was also carried out. Fruit firmness and soluble solids content showed a positive and significant genotypic correlation, providing evidence for selecting fruits with high averages for both variables. Fruit weight and pulp thickness (PT) were the variables that most contributed to the reduction and increased pulp volume percentage (PV%), respectively. The canonical correlation analysis showed an increase in PT associated with an increase in the fruit length and PV%variables. The physical–chemical variables showed a low association with others, which will make the selection process more laborious to obtain satisfactory gains between the groups of variables.

Association Between Dominant Wheat Stem Rust Races Found in Ethiopia and Grain Yield in Advance Bread Wheat Genotypes

The study was conducted in 2019 and in 2020 across two locations: Dhera and Asasa in Ethiopia to study the correlation between dominant stem rust races found in Ethiopia and grain yield on bread wheat genotypes found in the national wheat research program pipelines. Twenty three bread wheat genotypes and two released bread wheat varieties set as a Bread Wheat National Variety Trial by the national wheat research program for low altitude and planted at Dhera and Asasa. A square lattice design with two replications used for experiment conducted on the field. A plot of six rows, size of 2.5 m by 1.2 m, and a total area of 3 m2 used. The same genotypes planted using complete randomized design in three replications at Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center green house. Seven-day old seedlings were inoculated with spores of selected races: TTTTF, TKTTF, TKKTF, TTRTF and BULK. Data on infection types (IT) were recorded 14 days after inoculation using 0–4 scale. Result in the study revealed that Grain yield had positive genotypic association with all four races but bulk at Dhera. A very high negative significant genotypic correlation r=-0.708*** obtained between Grain yield and field Stem rust diseases score at Asasa. Those genotypes carrying race-specific effective gens for the races used in the green house were resistance at the seedling stage. But, on the field, at the adult stage, they lost the resistance and become susceptible.

Evaluation of yield attributes and bioactive phytochemicals of twenty amaranth genotypes of Bengal floodplain

Twenty vegetable amaranth (VA) genotypes were evaluated to assess the variability, associations, path coefficient, and principal component analysis (PCA) of morpho-chemical traits. The genotypes exhibited adequate antioxidant colorants, phytochemicals, and antiradical capacity with significant variations across genotypes. Genetic parameters revealed selection criteria for the majority of the traits for improving amaranth foliage yield (FY). Based on correlation coefficient, stem weight, stem base diameter, root weight, plant height, and shoot weight for significant development of FY of VA. Observing significant genotypic correlation with high positive direct effects on FY, the path coefficient (PC) of root weight, stem base diameter, stem weight, and shoot weight could contribute to the noteworthy development of FY of VA. The genotypes AA5, AA6, AA8, AA10, AA11, AA19, and AA20 might be selected for high FY, antioxidant colorants, and antiradical phytochemicals to utilize as colorants and antiradical rich superior high yielding cultivars. The first PC accounted for 37.8% of the variances, which implies a larger proportion of variable information explained by PC1. The features that contributed more to PC1 were FY, SW, STW, RW, and PH, whereas Chl b, total Chl, and Chl a contributed to the second PC. This suggests that there are significant genetic differences between amaranths in terms of biochemical and agro-morphological characteristics. The findings of the current work support plant breeders to investigate the genetic potential of the amaranth germplasm, notably in biochemical parameters. High colorants enrich genotypes that can be selected for extracting natural colorants to use in food processing industries.

Genotypic Variability and Character Associations of Kabuli Chickpea (Cicer artietinum L.) Genotypes for Yield and Yield Related Traits at Arsi-Robe, Southeastern Ethiopia

The study was conducted at Arsi-robe, Southeast Ethiopia during August–December, 2020 to understand the extent of genetic variability and association for yield and yield related traits among Kabuli chickpea genotypes. Forty-nine Kabuli chickpea genotypes were evaluated for 11 traits at Arsi-robe using 7×7 simple lattice designs. The analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes. The phenotypic variances of the traits were higher than the genotypic variances, implying the influence of environment on the expression of the traits. Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) ranged from 1.28 for days to maturity to 41.74% for grain yield and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) ranged from 1.47 to 44.06% for days to maturity and grain yield, respectively. High heritability was recorded from grain yield. High broad-sense heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for grain yield, number of secondary branches and hundred seed weight. Grain yield showed highly significant and positive genotypic correlations with grain filling period, number of seed plant-1 and plant height. Genotypic path coefficient analysis showed that days to maturity, number of pods plant-1, number of seed plant-1, plant height and hundred seed weight had positive direct effects on grain yield. Number of pods plant-1 exhibited a maximum positive direct effect on grain yield. The observed variations indicate the possibility for further improvement of grain yield and associated traits by utilizing selected parental genotypes and targeted crossing schemes in breeding programs.

Correlation and path coefficient analysis of yield and yield components of some Ethiopian faba bean (Vicia faba L.) accessions

<p>The knowledge of correlation and path coefficient analysis<strong> </strong>allow crop breeders to practice indirect selection to improve traits like grain yield which are complex in nature. The objectives of the present study were to measure association among yield and yield related traits and to identify important traits for indirect selection to improve faba bean grain yield. Eighty-one faba bean accessions were evaluated following 9 × 9 simple lattice design at one of the Bahir Dar University research sites at Mecha district in 2019 rainy cropping season. The result of correlation analysis revealed that grain yield had highly significant (<em>p</em> < 0.01) and positive phenotypic and genotypic correlations with plant height, pod length, number of pods per plant, number of branches per plant, biomass yield, 100-seed mass and harvest index indicating the possibility of simultaneous improvement of grain yield with these traits through selection. Path coefficient analysis demonstrated that higher positive direct effects were exerted by biomass yield and harvest index on grain yield both at phenotypic and genotypic levels, as a result, these traits could be used as indirect selection criteria to improve faba bean grain yield.</p>

Correlation and path coefficient analysis of yield and yield components of some Ethiopian faba bean (Vicia faba L.) accessions

The knowledge of correlation and path coefficient analysis allow crop breeders to practice indirect selection to improve traits like grain yield which are complex in nature. The objectives of the present study were to measure association among yield and yield related traits and to identify important traits for indirect selection to improve faba bean grain yield. Eighty-one faba bean accessions were evaluated following 9 × 9 simple lattice design at one of the Bahir Dar University research sites at Mecha district in 2019 rainy cropping season. The result of correlation analysis revealed that grain yield had highly significant (p < 0.01) and positive phenotypic and genotypic correlations with plant height, pod length, number of pods per plant, number of branches per plant, biomass yield, 100-seed mass and harvest index indicating the possibility of simultaneous improvement of grain yield with these traits through selection. Path coefficient analysis demonstrated that higher positive direct effects were exerted by biomass yield and harvest index on grain yield both at phenotypic and genotypic levels, as a result, these traits could be used as indirect selection criteria to improve faba bean grain yield.

Pedigree selection in two Egyptian cotton crosses for some traits

One cycle of direct Pedigree selection was performed with selection intensity 5 % to improve productivity with accepTable fiber quality of the two Egyptian cotton ( G. barbadense L.) cross combinations. Comparing mean performance of F2 with those of F3 generation revealed increased mean values for all traits with advanced generations from F2 to F3, indicating accumulation of increasing alleles. The phenotypic variance for all traits was highly significant through F2 and F3 generations. Heritability estimates in broad sense improved considerably for all traits from F2 to advanced F3 generations. The genotypic correlation between three earliness characters was highly significant negative with most yield traits in F2 pop. I. While genotypic correlation between the previous earliness traits with yield traits in F3 generation was positively non-significant except for lint percentage that was highly significant positive. Genotypic correlation was highly significant positive among most yield and yield component traits in both generations, which helps pedigree selection to achieve high fast genetic advance. The data of the genotypic correlation among studied characters in F2 and F3 generations in population II showed highly significant negative genotypic correlation between earliness traits in F2 generation, changed to highly significant positive in F3 generation after applying pedigree selection. The genotypic correlation between most yield characters and fiber properties showed highly significant positive correlation in population II in both generations. The superior ten families in F3 generation in both populations ranked on high yield, yield components and fiber quality showed higher means than that of F2, F3, better parent and check in most yield characters

DUS descriptors based morphometric characterization to analyze genetic variability in gladiolus

Abstract Present investigation involved phenotypic characterization of 84 gladiolus genotypes based on 18 DUS descriptors to estimate genetic variation and identify desirable genotypes for hybridization. Considerable variability was observed among the genotypes for most of the traits and principal component analysis revealed that the first two principal components explained most of the existing variation (>98%) in the germplasm. Genotypic coefficient of variation exhibited a wide range from 7.80% (androecium length) to 37.11% (duration of flowering) while, phenotypic coefficient of variation ranged from 8.12% (androecium length) to 37.61% (duration of flowering). Strong broad sense heritability estimates (>95%) were observed for the characters viz., bract length, flower width, tepal length, tepal width, style length, time of beginning of flowering and duration of flowering. Seventy four pair wise inter-trait combinations showed significant and positive genotypic and phenotypic correlations among 153 possible trait combinations. Mahalanobis D2 statistic analysis revealed that genotypes of the cluster II and V to be highly distinct and hybridization between them might have better chance to obtain desirable recombinants. Ward’s cluster analysis confirmed that the cv. Victor and cv. Malaviya Shatabdi to be highly diverse for the selected traits. It is concluded that the above genotypes may be utilized in crossing programme to obtain better progenies. Characterized data of gladiolus germplasm would assist the breeders in varietal identification, conservation and their sustainable utilization during breeding programme.

STUDIES ON CHARACTER ASSOCIATION AND PATH COEFFICIENT ANALYSIS FOR YIELD AND YIELD RELATED TRAITS IN GREENGRAM [VIGNA RADIATA (L.) WILCZEK

Genetic association and path coefficient analysis were studied at phenotypic and genotypic levels in 19 genotypes of greengram for various quantitative characters during kharif 2022. The experimental design which was used to conduct the experiment was a randomized block design. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters under study indicating the presence of adequate variability among the varieties. Estimates of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all characters. High heritability was observed with high genetic advance as mean percentage by 100 seed weight, biological yield and harvest index. Number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, harvest index and seed protein content showed significant and positive phenotypic correlations in seed yield per plant. Specific seed yield per plant showed significant and positive genotypic correlation with number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, harvest index and seed protein content. High magnitude of positive direct effect at phenotypic level on grain yield per plant was shown by number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, biological yield, harvest index and seed protein. High intensity of positive direct effect at genotypic level on seed yield per plant, number of clusters per plant, harvest index, biological yield, plant height and number of pods per plant was applied by material.