Studies on genetic variability, trait contribution for improved green fodder yield in lucerne (Medicago sativa L.)

DOI: 10.37992/2023.1403.120

  • A. Aruna,
  • T. Ezhilarasi,
  • K. N. Ganesan,
  • S. Kavitha and,
  • M. Thirunavukkarasu

Abstract

The present study was carried out to evaluate 40 lucerne germpalsm including four checks for genetic variability and character associations for green fodder yield and attributing traits. The germplasm were evaluated for 16 quantitative and qualitative traits and subjected to pooled analysis for the successive three cuts (environment). The results clearly revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits studied except leaf length. However, genotype x environment interaction indicated significant differences for all traits studied except for leaf length, leaf breadth, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber. Greater variation was recorded with the obtained values of PCV and GCV for all traits studied. High heritability and high genetic advance as a percent of the mean was noticed for leaf breadth, stem girth, dry matter yield, green fodder yield, crude protein and crude fiber. However, leaf length and leaf stem ratio exhibited high heritability with low GAM. The correlation coefficient for green fodder yield was significant and positively associated with plant height, stem girth, number of crowns per plant and dry matter yield. Positive direct effect was reported for plant height, stem girth, neutral detergent fiber, number of crowns per plant, leaf stem ratio and total ash on green fodder yield. Hence, these traits could be used to formulate a selection index for to improving the green fodder yield in lucerne.

Keywords: Lucerne, genetic variability, trait association, path coefficients

Published
03-10-2023
How to Cite
A. Aruna, T. Ezhilarasi, K. N. Ganesan, S. Kavitha and, M. Thirunavukkarasu

Studies on genetic variability, trait contribution for improved green fodder yield in lucerne Medicago sativa L.

. 2023. Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding, 14 3, 1074-1080. Retrieved from https://www.ejplantbreeding.org/index.php/EJPB/article/view/4905
Issue
Vol 14 No 3 (2023): EJPB
Section
Research Article

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