Genetic variability studies in cauliflower

Abstract

A study was undertaken to estimate the genetic variability, heritability for yield and its components and their association with yield in early cauliflower. Twenty five genotypes of cauliflower were evaluated in randomized block design with two replications. Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was found to be less than the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) with respect to all the characters studied. High GCV and PCV were observed for characters like yield per hectare, blindness, buttons and leafy curds. Narrow differences between GCV and PCV were seen in character like days to curd initiation, days to curd maturity, curd size, net plot yield, yield per hectare, vitamin C content and buttons indicating that there is no environmental influence in the expression of these parameters. It was observed that high heritability associated with moderate values of genetic gain as percent of mean for petiole length, curd size, net plot yield, yield per hectare and vitamin C content, indicating that these characters are governed by additive gene action and so direct selection will be effective to improve the genotypes for these characters. The character association revealed high significant positive association of curd diameter on curd yield at both phenotypic and genotypic level only. Therefore for, genetic improvement in cauliflower it is better to adopt direct selection trough curd diameter, fresh leaf weight, number of leaves and leaf area index and indirect selection through plant weight, curd size and plant height. Among plant characters it is suggested to select semi erect leaf orientation plants with white or cream colour and full compact curds to improve yield in early cauliflower.