Genetic variability, character association and path analysis for forage yield and quality traits of tall fescue germplasm under north western Himalayas

Abstract

Thirty six tall fescue germplasm lines were studied to find out genetic variability and association for green forage yield and its component traits. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among all the traits studied. The estimates of PCV were higher than corresponding GCV for all the 11 characters studied. High heritability coupled with high to moderate genetic advance was observed for crude protein yield per plant and dry matter yield per plant. Dry matter yield per plant, plant height, tillers per plant, leaf stem ratio, leaves per plant, leaf length and crude protein yield per plant revealed positive and significant correlation with green forage yield per plant. Crude protein yield, leaf length and leaves per plant contributed maximum towards yield indicating that these traits should be given emphasis while selecting high yielding tall fescue cultivar for north western Himalayan regions.