Study on Genetic Variability for Seed Yield and Morphological Characters in Isabgol (Plantago ovata Forsk)

Abstract

The present study was carried out at the Main Experiment Station, Horticulture, Department of Horticulture, NDUAT, Kumarganj, Faizabad to evaluate the genetic variability of 42 genotypes of Isabgol. The experiment was laid out during the rabi season (2011-12) in randomized block design replicated twice with the plant spacing 30x10 cm. The findings of the experiment revealed that there was enough variability in the genotypes studied for the characters plant height, numbers of tillers per plant, days taken to first emergence of spike, days taken to 50% flowering, number of spikes per plant, test weight and seed yield per plant. The highest estimates of phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation were observed in seed yield per plant (PCV=26.598, GCV=25.016%) followed by number of spikes per plant (PCV=23.309%, GCV=22.028%), while least in days taken to 50% flowering. All the characters showed high heritability, however days taken to first emergence of spike (99.7%) and test weight (98.9%) had maximum heritability. Higher genetic advance was observed for number of spike (16.427). High heritability associated with high genetic advance in present of mean recorded for days taken to first emergence of spike (h2 =99.7%, GA=7.707). However highest genetic advance in present of mean was observed for seed yield per plant (48.468g).