Genetic variability, heretibility, genetic advance analysis in Ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal]

Abstract

Present study was carried out to ascertain the extent of genetic variability in the population of 63 different genotypes in ashwagandha. The analysis of variance indicates presence of considerable amount of variability in the population of the genotypes. The high genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV%) was observed for harvest index (47.97%), followed by dry plant weight (31.48%) and high phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV%) was observed for harvest index (50.97%) followed by dry root yield per plant (34.67%). High heritability estimates were observed for total alkaloid content (98.37%), dry plant weight per plant (93.90%), harvest index (88.58%), leaf area index (88.16%), fresh plant weight (81.28%), dry root yield per plant (80.29%). The breeding methods such as selection would be effective for genetic improvement of these traits.