Genetic analysis and interaction among CUPRAC, FRAP, phytochemical and phenotypic traits in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.)

Abstract

The lack of information regarding genetic variability and inter-relationships among antioxidant and phytochemical, phenotypic traits in snowball cauliflower evoked an experiment using 26 Ogura based cytoplasmic male-sterile (CMS) and doubled haploid (DH) lines to formulate breeding strategies for the development of antioxidant rich cultivars. Significant variability was observed for all the antioxidant traits suggesting the scope for improvement of these antioxidant traits in cauliflower. The cluster analysis revealed five different groups of parental lines based on phytochemical traits. The slightly higher magnitude of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the antioxidant traits indicated small influence of environment on accumulation of these traits. The high heritability (>80%) accompanied with high genetic gain for the accumulation of antioxidant traits indicated the predominance of additive gene action. This study will pave the way for mapping of QTLs and breeding of bio fortified cultivars in cauliflower.