Variation and association studies for fodder yield and related traits in interspecific hybrids of bajra [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] × napier grass [Pennisetum purpureum (K.) Schum.]

Abstract

Twenty bajra x napier hybrids were evaluated for genetic variability, correlation and path coefficients during Kharif 2019 at Forage Research Farm, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The genotypes were significantly different for most of the characters, which indicated substantial variability among them. High heritability along with high genetic advance was recorded for plant height, leaf Length, number of tillers per plant, and leaf stem ratio indicating the predominance of additive gene effects in the inheritance of these characters. The phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) estimates were invariably higher than their corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) values thereby suggesting the environmental influence. High estimates of GCV and PCV were observed for most of the traits except stem girth and number of leaves per plant, suggesting that selection based on these characters would facilitate successful isolation of desirable genotypes. Traits like plant height, leaf length and dry matter yield had positive and significant correlation at genotypic as well as phenotypic level with green fodder yield, thus the selection based on these traits would result in improving green fodder yield in bajra napier hybrid. Most of the yield contributing traits like plant height, leaf length, stems girth, number of tillers per plant and dry matter yield exhibited positive direct effect on green fodder yield.