Assessing genetic diversity in rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush) using morphological characters

Abstract

Aim: To assess genetic diversity and relationship among important horticultural traits in rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush). Methodology: The study was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana on seventeen strains of rough lemon. Data was recorded for vegetative, fruiting and productivity parameters. Genetic variability and relationship among important horticultural traits were assessed by analyzing data with Microsoft Excel and Minitab 18 software. Results: There was wide variability among seventeen genotypes of rough lemon. Little difference between genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) for majority of traits confirmed low environmental influence on the characters under study. High heritability with high to moderate genetic gain for fruit weight (69.49% and 36.50%), fruit length (95.24% and 40.62%), fruit diameter (93% and 32.23%), spine length (98.30% and 70.56%), acidity (95.07% and 40.18%) and fruit axis diameter (94.71% and 64.14%) suggested additive gene action and ability of improvement through selection. Strong character association of fruit number/tree and fruit axis diameter with yield revealed that these are the most important characteristics to be considered for effective selection in favour of high yield. Similarly, Principal Component Analysis showed high association between leaf lamina length and fruit size characters. Interpretation: This research suggests a high genetic diversity among the genotypes of rough lemon and valuable correlations were observed between different traits of economic significance. The findings of this study can be used in future crop improvement programmes for developing desirable varieties. Key words: Citrus jambhiri, Cluster analysis, Genetic diversity