Studies on genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in French marigold (Tagetes patula)

Abstract

The eleven genotypes of French marigold (Tagetes patula) numbered as var. Dainty Marietta, Boy-O-Boy, Gulzafri Orange, Gulzafri Yellow, Bolero Red, Queen Sophia, Pusa Arpita, Orange Winner, Red Brocade, F/R-8 and F/R-2, were evaluated to determine genetic variability, heritability, genetic gain for twenty three contributing characters. In present study, the magnitude of PCV was higher than the GCV for all the twenty three characters under study. Heritability was high for all the growth and flowering parameters which ranged from 86.57 % to 99.34 %. Highest heritability was observed for fresh weight per flower (99.34%) followed by flower yield per plant (99.24%). High genetic advance and genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed highest in flower yield per plant (464.27) followed by number of flowers per plant (93.66). The estimates of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variations were ranged from 12.32 % to 63.15% and 12.65% to 63.39%, respectively. The characters like weight of flowers per plant, weight of flowers per plants, number of disc florets per flower and number of flowers per plant could be exploited for improvement through crop breeding programme.