Estimation of Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Analysis for Quality and Agronomic Traits in Forage Sorghum

Abstract

Ten genotypes i.e., CSV-15, Pusa Chari-6, HC-308, Pant Chari-4, G-48, HJ-513, UP Chari4, HC-171, SSG-59-3 and ICSV-700 studied for genetic variability, correlation and path analysis for days to  flowering, plant height, leaf length, leaf breadth, stem girth, leaves per plant, leaf area, leaf stem ratio, total soluble solids, protein content, fiber content, HCN content and green fodder yield. The analysis of variance for the experiment with fifty-five treatments for all the thirteen attributes revealed significant differences among the material used in the present investigation, which indicated that wide spectrum of variation among the genotypes. Genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation were found higher for leaf stem ratio and green fodder yield, which indicating that more variability and scope for selection in improving these characters. High heritability accompanied with high genetic advance as percent of mean noted for leaf breadth, stem girth, leaves per plant, leaf area, leaf stem ratio, total soluble solids and green fodder yield. This indicated that these traits were highly heritable and selection of high performing genotypes is possible to improve these attributes. Green fodder yield exhibited significant stable and positive correlation with days to 50% flowering, plant height, leaf length, leaf breadth, stem girth, leaves per plant and leaf area at genotypic and phenotypic level. These characters may be considered as important yield component in forage sorghum. Leaf breadth displayed high order of direct effect on green fodder yield per plant followed by leaves per plant, leaf length and stem girth at phenotypic and genotypic level, which indicated that the contribution of individual attributes to fodder yield is of importance in planning a sound breeding programme for developing for high yielding varieties.