Morphological variability and stability for seed and forage yield of marvel grass (Dichanthium annulatum (Forssk.) Stapf) under north western arid rangeland of Gujarat

Abstract

A study was conducted during kharif season of 2006, 2007 and 2008 to estimate stability and genetic variability of seed and forage yield of improved genotypes of marvel grass (Dichanthium annulatum (Forssk.) Stapf). GxE interaction was significant for all the characters viz., plant height, number of tillers/plant, green fodder yield, dry fodder yield and seed yield (kg/ha). G x E (linear) was also significant for all these five characters, indicating substantial amount of predictable G x E interaction. All seven genotypes were tested for three stability parameters, namely, mean, bi and S2di. It is concluded that the direct selection for plant height along with simultaneous selection for tillers per plant will be responsive for improvement of dry fodder yield and seed yield per plant. The results provide useful information to aid the choice of marvel grass genotypes for the north western arid area of Gujarat. CAZRI-BH-DA-2 should be included in breeding programme intended to develop high yielding stable genotype.