Genetic variability of quantitative characters that exist in moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) in Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Twenty five moringa genotypes that were collected from different geographical regions of Tamil Nadu, India were evaluated for variability, heritability and genetic advance for growth, yield and quality characters and significant variations were recorded for the investigated traits. Widest range of variation was observed in internode length and number of primary rachis. Maximum genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed for height at first branch emergence, number of compound leaves, and number of branches at harvest, internode length and fresh leaf biomass. High magnitude of heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for height at first branch emergence (99.83%), number of compound leaves per tree (99.73%), number of branch at harvest (99.46%), fresh leaf biomass (99.16%), and number of leaflet per rachis (99.09%). High heritability and genetic advance indicating additive gene action suggested that simple selection could be effective for the improvement of these traits.