Genetic Variability in Soapnut (Sapindus Mukorossi Gaerten.) among different seed sources in Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to select better seed sources for improved genetic material and quality production of soapnut (Sapindus mukorossi). Genetic variability was evaluated for different traits viz., morphometric traits, germination parameters, percent seed oil and progeny performance traits were carried out among different twenty four seed sources from Himachal Pradesh. The study revealed significant variation among different seed sources. Seed sources which have higher seed weight and seed diameter showed better performance over others, those seed having lower seed weight and seed diameter comparatively. Banjar seed source was found to be superior and best, followed by Garsa seed source, for all morphometric traits, germination parameters, percentage seed oil content and progeny performance traits over all other seed sources studied. Positive significant genotypic and phenotypic correlation was found between all traits, which suggest that selection for any one of these will be reliable for others also. Highly positive significant genotypic and phenotypic correlation was shown by all traits. High heritability with low genetic advance is associated with seed diameter. All traits were more over genetically controlled as revealed by high heritabilities.