Studies on correlation, heritability and genetic advance in Cape-gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) under sub-tropical condition of Bihar

Abstract

Aim: The present investigation was undertaken to assess the per se performance, correlation, heritability and genetic advance of temperate genotypes of Cape-gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) under sub-tropical condition of District, Nalanda, Bihar (India). Methodology: About 4-6 leaf stage seedlings of 18 temperate genotypes of Cape-gooseberry were arranged in the field in Randomized Block Design with three replications. Each plot consisted 3.00 m x 2.00 m with spacing of 60 cm and 45 cm between and within rows, respectively. Recommended package of practices were applied to raise a good crop. The data were recorded on ten randomly selected plants for eight characters viz., plant height, number of fruit bearing branches per plant, number of fruits per plant, fruit diameter, fruit length, fruit weight, total soluble solids and fruit yield per plant at maturity, and finally data were subjected to statistical analysis to derive valid conclusion. Results: Significant variation was observed for yield and all the yield traits studied except for plant height. High heritability was observed for fruit weight (0.85) and Total solble solids (0.87). Genetic advance was high for branches per plant (25.87), fruit yield per plant (23.21) and fruit weight (22.57). The fruit yield per plant was strongly positively associated with number of fruits per plant, fruit weight and Total soluble solids at genotypic level. Interpretation: Exhisting variability can be utilized for improvement of the crop. Number of branches per plant and number of fruits per plant are governed by additive genes. Heterosis breeding can be rewarding for the trait having high heritability coupled with low genetic advance. Strong genotypic correlation indicated that yield can be enhanced by giving due weightage to number of fruits per plant, fruit weight and total soluble solids during selection. Key words: Cape-gooseberry, Correlation, Genotypes, Genetic advance, Heritability, Yield