Genetic variability, diversity and character association in quantitative traits of mango (Mangifera indica L)

Abstract

Studies were conducted at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during 2021 to 2022. Seventy mango hybrids and parents were studied for their genetic variability, heritability, and character association between yield and quality traits to estimate the contribution of traits towards yield. High genotypic (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were recorded for number of hermaphrodite flowers per panicle, number of male flowers per panicle, fruit retention, fresh bark to wood ratio, total number of panicles and number of fruits per panicle which provide wide scope of improvement through selection. Moreover, high heritability and genetic advance were also observed in fruit retention, number of panicles, number of hermaphrodite flowers per panicle and fruit weight. Genetic divergence a was assessed in 70 mango hybrids with their parents grouped into nine clusters indicating the presence of diversity for difference traits the cluster I had maximum number of hybrids. While cluster IX had highest mean for fruit yield per tree. Number of panicles, fruit diameter, tree girth, number of fruits per panicle at marble stage, tree height, exhibited significant positive correlation with fruit yield per tree. Path analysis revealed that number of panicles, number of female flowers, number of fruits per panicle, stomatal density and internodal width had maximum direct effect on fruit yield per tree.