HIRDESH KUMAR VERMA, VINOD JATAV*, ANJAN ROY, DEEPAK MAURYA1, PUSHPENDRA KUMAR AND PINKEY DUKPA
School of Agriculture, ITM University Gwalior, Gwalior-475 001 (Madhya Pradesh), India
*(e-mail: vinodjatav89@gmail.com)
(Received: August 12, 2023; Accepted: October 10, 2023)
ABSTRACT
The present experiment was carried out to estimate the genetic variability, correlation and path analyses for yield and yield contributing traits in broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica). Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among all the genotypes for all the characters and indicated the presence of considerable variability existing among the genotypes for all the traits. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was recorded for lateral head number (55.17 and 56.18) followed by lateral head yield (51.98 and 52.61) and average head yield (35.45 and 35.68). High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for average head yield followed by leaf length and days to head initiation, which indicated the presence of additive gene action; hence selection could be employed for these traits for exploiting higher selection response. The number of lateral heads (0.732), average head yield (0.710) and leaf width (0.519 cm) showed positive and significant correlation with total yield (g/plot). Path analysis showed that lateral head yield (0.9074), head length (0.1649 cm), average head yield (0.1128 g) and number of leaves (0.0639) had the greatest positive direct effects on overall yield (g/plot). Based on the overall findings of the present study, it was revealed that for the development of stable and high yielding varieties or F1 hybrids, the following traits should be given more emphasis i.e. days to head initiation, leaf length, number of lateral heads, leaf width and number of leaves.
Key words : Variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation, path analysis