Studies on Genetic Variability and Character Association in Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.)

Aim: To study the genetic variability and character association in fennel.

Study Design: Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD).

Place and Duration of Study: Horticultural Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj. Between November 2021 to April 2022.

Methodology: 10 genotypes of fennel were sown in three replications in RCB design. In each replication data were observed on five plants and averaged for all twelve characters under study.

Results: Analysis of variance showed the presence of significant variation among different genotypes for all characters studied. Number of primary branches per plant and seed yield per hectare exhibited moderate estimates of GCV and PCV and also High estimates of Heritability (Broad-sense). Positive and significant correlation was observed for number of umbels per plant, number of umbellets per umbel, number of seeds per umbel, seed yield per hectare and seed index with seed yield per plant at both phenotypic and genotypic level. Path Coefficient analysis revealed that days to maturity, number of primary branches per plant, number of seeds per umbel, seed index and harvest index had direct positive effect on seed yield per plant at genotypic level. While days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, number of umbels per plant, number of umbellets per umbel, number of seeds per umbel, seed yield per hectare and seed index had direct positive effect on seed yield per plant at phenotypic level.

Conclusion: Selection in these traits will lead to higher efficiency in breeding programme for improving yield. Thus these traits may be ranked as most important attributing traits for seed yield per plant in fennel.