Variability and correlation studies for yield and yield contributing traits in fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) germplasm

Abstract

Fifty germplasm of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) were evaluated in Augmented Block Design during Rabi 2012-2013 at ICAR-NRCSS, Tabiji, Ajmer (Rajasthan). Analysis of variance revealed significant variability for most of the traits namely secondary branches plant-1, plant height up to main umbel (cm), length of first inter node, number of umbels plant-1, number of seeds umbellate-1, test weight (cm) and seed yield plant-1. High estimates of PCV along with GCV as well as broad sense heritability, genetic advance and genetic advance as percentage of mean were observed for number of secondary branches plant-1, number of umbels plant-1 and seed yield plant-1. High heritability (broad sense) coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for the characters viz., number of secondary branches plant-1, number of umbels plant-1 and seed yield plant-1. Association analysis was significant and positive for plant height up to main umbel (cm), plant height up to top (cm), length of first inter node (cm), diameter of primary umbel (cm) and number of seeds umbellate.