Variability parameters, character association and genetic divergence studies in coriander accessions

Abstract

The present study was conducted with the objective to know the extent of variability parameters, correlation, path coefficient and genetic divergence in a set of 216 accessions of coriander in an Augmented Complete Block Design (including eight checks) during rabi 2015-16. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among the accessions for all the characters studied except 1000-seed weight and days to maturity while, significant variability among checks were noted with respect to all the characters except umbellate per umbel and days to maturity. The high estimates of heritability and genetic advance were found for the characters seed yield per five plants and seeds per umbel. The highest percentage of PCV and GCV was observed for seed yield per five plants. Correlation studies revealed that seed yield per five plants exhibited highly significant and positive correlation with umbels per plant, 1000-seed weight and umbellets per umbel. Path analysis at both genotypic and phenotypic levels indicated that the magnitude of both direct and indirect effects were generally low. The direct effect of umbels per plant was found to be positive and highest. Based on the mean performance of the accessions, UD-431, UD-423 and UD-409 were found superior over check. Genetic divergence analysis revealed that accessions were grouped into eleven clusters and among them, the accessions of cluster VII had higher seed yield, 1000 seed weight and umbels per plant.