Studies on genetic variability, character association and path analysis in Niger (Guizotia abyssinica L.) Genotypes

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to study the genetic variability parameters and nature of associations among the traits affecting grain yield in twenty eight niger genotypes at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Chintapalle during kharif, 2011. High estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation were observed for grain yield and phenotypic coefficient of variation for number of capsules per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule and grain yield (q/ha) suggesting that they can be improved through direct selection due to predominant additive variation. Correlation studies revealed that number of seeds per capsule exhibited highly significant positive correlation with grain yield both at phenotypic and genotypic level. Path coefficient analysis showed that number of branches per plant had the maximum direct effect on grain yield followed by plant height.