Studies on Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Analysis of Yield and Yield Components in Onion

Abstract

Evaluation of 11 varieties of onion, viz., N-2-4-1, B-780, AFLR, AFDR, AW, C-355, Pusa Red, L-28, Arka Kalyan, Phule Samarth and Local revealed that PCV was greater than GCV for all the traits. High values for heritability, coupled with moderate-to-high GCV and genetic gain, were noticed for neck thickness, weight and diameter of the bulb and bulb yield, which can be improved by simple selection. Moderate-to-high estimates for heritability accompanied by low GCV/genetic gain were observed for plant height and number of leaves, which warrant heterosis breeding for amelioration. Genotypic correlation coefficients were higher than the corresponding phenotypic ones for most of the characters, reflecting a predominant role of the heritable factors. Yield showed positive association with plant height, neck thickness, weight, length, equatorial diameter of the bulb, both at the phenotypic and genotypic levels. Path coefficient analysis revealed a positive direct effect with regard to plant height, neck thickness, weight, length and diameter of the bulb. Hence, these are the main characters contributing to yield potential of the onion plant. Therefore, it is suggested to lay emphasis on these traits while imposing selection for bulb yield in the onion crop.