Genetic variability, heritability (bs) and genetic advance for various qualitative characters of potato

Abstract

Genetic Variability, heritability and genetic advance for different qualitative characters were studied in 38 genotypes of potatoes. The study indicated the existence of considerable amount of genetic variability for all the traits under study. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for almost all the traits studied. The maximum range was recorded for dry matter content (17.41-23.94 %), followed by vitamin C (17.41 -22.21 mg 100g-1), TSS (4.16 - 6.26 oBrix) and specific gravity (0.99-1.32 g). The highest phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variability were observed for specific gravity followed by dry matter content, vitamin C and TSS. In general the phenotypic coefficients of variation were slight higher than genotypic coefficients of variation for most of the quality contributing traits which indicates the minor role of environment in the expression of these traits. The estimates of heritability in broad sense was high for most of the characters indicating a great scope in the improvement of these traits as these characters in general possessed high estimates of heritability coupled with high genetic advance except for vitamin C content indicating preponderance of additive gene action for control of these traits.