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Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda
Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda has been established as a full-fledged State University, having unique honour of being the “First Agricultural University of Bundelkhand Region”. The University was notified vide Government Order No. 301/79-V-1-10-1 (Ka) 27-2009 Lucknow and established on 2nd March 2010 under Uttar Pradesh Agriculture University Act (Sanshodhan) 1958 Gazette-Adhiniyam 2010. Initially it was named as “Manyawar Shri Kanshiram Ji University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda”, which was changed as “Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda” vide Uttar Pradesh Agriculture University Act (Sanshodhan) Adhiniyam, 2014, No. 1528(2)/LXXIX-V-1-14-1(Ka)-13-2014 dated 4th December 2014.
The University has been established for the development of the agriculture and allied sectors in the Uttar Pradesh on the whole and Bundelkhand region in particular. It is committed to serve the Bundelkhand region with trinity concept, i.e. complete integration of teaching, research and extension for the development of agriculture and allied sectors in order to ensure food security and enhance socio-economic status of inhabitants. State Government of Uttar Pradesh has assigned the University with the responsibilities of (a) human resource generation and development, (b) generation and perfection of technologies, and (c) their dissemination to the farmers, orchardists and dairy farmers in the Chitrakoot Dham and Jhansi divisions. The Chirtrkoot Dham Division consists of four districts, namely Banda, Chitrakoot (Karvi), Mahoba and Hamirpur whereas Jhansi Division consists of Jhansi, Lalitpur and Jalaun (Orai) districts.
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ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF DATES OF PLANTING AND VARIETIES ON GROWTH, FLOWER YIELD AND PIGMENTATION PATTERN IN CHINA ASTER [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees] UNDER SEMI-ARID CONDITION OF BUNDELKHAND REGION(DEPARTMENT OF FLORICULTURE AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE COLLEGE OF HORTICULTURE BANDA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE & TECHNOLOGY BANDA-210001, UTTAR PRADESH (INDIA), 2023-08-01) PIYUSH SINGH; Krishna Singh TomarChina aster [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees] is a half-hardy annual and commercial flower crop belonging to the family Asteraceae. Due to the broad usage of this plant in bouquets, boutonnieres and garlands. Its cultivation is becoming more and more popular in urban areas. It can be used as bedding plants, pot plants and herbaceous borders in ornamental gardening. A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2022-23 to study the ‘Effect of dates of planting and varieties on growth, flower yield and pigmentation pattern in China aster [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees] under semi-arid condition of Bundelkhand region’ at the Instructional Farm of Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh. The first experiment was executed with an objective to study the performance of China aster varieties under different planting dates for growth, flowering and yield. It was laid out in factorial randomized block design with twenty-four treatments replicated thrice. The treatment consist six varieties planted at four different dates. The varieties of China aster viz.; V1 – Arka Aadya, V2 – Arka Poornima, V3 – Arka Archana, V4 – Arka Shashank, V5 – P.G. Purple and V6 – P.G. Violet were planted at four different dates i.e. D1 – 2 nd week of November, D2 – 3 rd week of November, D3 – 4 th week of November and D4 – 1 st week of December, respectively. The second experiment was executed with an objective to study the pigmentation pattern of China aster varieties in response to different dates of planting. It was laid out in factorial completely randomized design with twenty-four treatments replicated thrice. The study revealed that the significant differences among the China aster varieties planted at different dates. Among the different varieties Arka Aadya recorded maximum number of primary branches (15.50) per plant, secondary branches (48.02) per plant, number of leaves at 90 DAP (106.18) per plant, number of leaves at full blooming (135.92) per plant, plant spread in east-west (38.73 cm), plant spread in north-south (34.21 cm), dry plant weight (20.67 g), number of flowers (64.00) per plant, flower yield per plot (6.35 kg), flower yield per hectare (29.06 t) and vase life (7.75 days). Whereas, Phule Ganesh Violet recorded maximum plant height at 90 DAP (61.75 cm), plant height at full blooming (76.29 cm), flower diameter (7.48 cm), individual flower weight (7.54 g) and duration of flowering (35.25 days). Among the different dates of planting, all the varieties of China aster planted during 2 nd week of November recorded maximum primary branches (12.87) per plant, secondary branches (39.03) per plant, number of leaves at 45 DAP (18.78), number of leaves per plant at full blooming stage (100.63), plant spread in east-west (33.87 cm), leaf area (27.61 cm2 ), stem girth (2.61 cm), flower diameter (6.07 cm) and duration of flowering (35.50 days). Whereas, the varieties planted at 3rd week of November recorded maximum plant height at 90 DAP (46.70 cm), plant height at full blooming stage (58.10 cm), plant spread in north-south (31.32 cm), dry weight of plant (16.21 g), number of flowers (48.33) per plant, length of flower stalk (28.58 cm), flower yield per plot (5.77 kg), flower yield per hectare (26.45), seed yield per plant (6.38 g) and 1000 seed weight (1.54 g). Among the interaction effects of treatment combinations i.e. Varieties and dates of planting, maximum primary branches (16.66) per plant, secondary branches (50.33) per plant, number of leaves at 90 DAP (116.88) per plant, number of leaves at full blooming (149.13), number of flowers (74.33) per plant, flower yield per plot (7.50 kg), flower yield per hectare (34.43 t) and vase life 9.33 days) was recorded with Arka Aadya planted at 2 nd week of November. Whereas, Arka Aadya planted during 3 rd week of November recorded maximum plant spread in east-west (41.20 cm), plant spread in north-south (38.67 cm) and dry weight of plant (22.48 g). However, Phule Ganesh Purple planted during 2 nd week of November recorded maximum number of leaves at 45 DAP (22.15) and leaf area (34.61 cm2 ). The studies of the pigmentation pattern of China aster varieties in response to planting dates had a significant influence on anthocyanin content. Among different varieties, var. Arka Aadya exhibited maximum anthocyanin content (43.01 mg/g). Whereas, minimum anthocyanin content (10.09 mg/g) was found in var. Arka Poornima. The dates of planting also influenced anthocyanin content in China aster. Maximum anthocyanin content (28.77 mg/g) was observed in D1 (2nd week of November) and minimum anthocyanin content (15.33 mg/g) was observed in D4 (1st week of December) planting. The interaction of varieties and dates of planting had significant effect on anthocyanin content. Maximum anthocyanin content (57.92 mg/g) was recorded with treatment combination var. Arka Aadya planted during 3rd week of November. On the basis of results obtained in the present study, it may be concluded that China aster varieties Arka Aadya and Phule Ganesh Violet were found to be the best varieties for semi-arid region of Bundelkhand while planting in 3 rd week of November is recommended for maximum flower yield, getting higher flower quality and seed yield.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF DIFFERENT DATES OF PLANTING AND LEVELS OF PINCHING ON THE GROWTH, FLOWERING AND YIELD OF AFRICAN MARIGOLD [Tagetes erecta (L.)] CV. PUSA NARANGI GAINDA GROWN UNDER SEMI-ARID REGION(DEPARTMENT OF FLORICULTURE AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE COLLEGE OF HORTICULTURE BANDA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE & TECHNOLOGY, BANDA-210 001, (U.P.) (INDIA), 2023-08-24) SATYA PRAKASH RASHMI; Amit KanwajiaThesisItem Open Access “EFFECT OF SILICON APPLICATION ON VEGETATIVE GROWTH, FLOWERING AND CORM PRODUCTION IN GLADIOLUS (Gladiolus hybridus Hort.)”(Department of Floriculture & Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture, Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda- 210001 (U.P.), 2023-09-13) Sameer; Rakesh KumarGladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus Hort.) is one of the most popular cut flowers and it belongs to Iridaceae family. It is popularly known as Queen of bulbous flowers because of its beautiful spikes having diverse range of colours and longer keeping quality. It is grown for use as cut flower, garden decoration, pot plant, herbaceous borders and making highquality bouquets. During 2022-23, an experiment was conducted at Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture, Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda. Experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three replications. The purpose of experiment was to study the effect of silicon application on vegetative growth, flowering and corm production in gladiolus. In the experiment, soil application of silicon (2.9, 5.9 and 8.8 g/m2 ) was done before planting and foliar application of silicon was done @ (1% (4.7 g/m2 ) and 2% (9.4 g/m2 ) at 3 and 6 leaf stage. All the growth and yield parameters were periodically observed. Analysis of results showed significant results for leaf area (63.01 cm2 ), number of florets per spike (13.42), floret size (9.9 cm), rachis length (52.51 cm), fresh weight of spike (59.01 g), vase life (13.22 days), weight of corm per plant (20.70 g) and weight of cormels per plant (11.40 g) in soil application of silicon i.e. S4 (8.8 g/m2 ). Among the foliar applications of silicon i.e., F3 2% (9.4 g in 400 ml water/m2 area) recorded maximum leaf area (63.83 cm) and weight of corm per plant (20.25 g). Whereas, maximum number of cormels per plant (69.79) and water uptake (85.85 ml) was recorded in F1 (control). Among the different soil and foliar application of silicon, combination S4F1 recorded maximum plant height at 60 DAP and 75 DAP (53.87 cm and 58.90 cm), length of longest leaf (40.32 cm), number of florets per spike (13.86), rachis length (55.81 cm) and duration of flowering (15.73 days). Whereas, maximum leaf area (67.26 cm2 ), number of spike per plant (1.60), fresh weight of spike (61.33 g), vase life (13.50 days) and weight of cormels per plant (16.73 g) was recorded in S4F3 treatment combination.ThesisItem Open Access VARIABILITY STUDIES AND DUS CHARACTERIZATION OF DIFFERENT TUBEROSE [Agave amica Medik.] GENOTYPES(DEPARTMENT OF FLORICULTURE AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURECOLLEGE OF HORTICULTUREBANDA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE & TECHNOLOGY BANDA-210001, UTTAR PRADESH (INDIA), 2023-08-24) KHUSHBOO VERMA; Ajay Kumar SinghTuberose (Agave amicaMedik) is one of the most significant tropical ornamental bulbous flowering plants belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae.It is a half-hardy bulbous perennial. The flower has delightful fragrance and are a source of tuberose oil, that can be used in the preparation of various perfumes and cosmetics. A field experiment was conducted during 2022-23 to study the Variability studies and DUS characterization of different Tuberose (Agave amicaMedik.) genotypes" at the Instructional Farm of the Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with twenty treatments replicated thrice. All the genotypes possess wide and significant differences for all the parameters studied ie. their growth, quality and yield. Twenty genotypes were evaluated for vegetative growth, flowering, yield and postharvest life during 2022- 23 revealed that the genotypes Prajwal, GKTC-4, Hyderabad single were found promising for highest plant height (69.0, 65.13, 63.93) and number of leaves. These cultivars Prajwal and GKTC- 4 also having promising flower yield per plot which can be used for cut flower production. High GCV were observed for diameter of spike, number of bulbs per plant, weight of individual bulb and high PCV were observed number of leaves per plant, weight of individual bulb, number of leaves per plant, number of bulbs per plant, diameter of spike, number of leaves per plant, number of florets per spike, days taken to spike emergence, high heritability associated with high genetic advance % of mean were obtained for nuinber of bulbs per plant, diameter of spike, weight of bulb, number of floret per spike, days taken to spike emergence, leaf length, days taken to 1 floret opening, flowering duration, diameter of lowest floret, spike length, length of floret showed presence of additive gene action. Plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, spike length, rachis length, number of florets per spike were highly significant and positive correlated with the number of flowers per plant. Path coefficient analysis revealed that the number of leaves per plant, number of florets per spike, day's taken to spike emergence, leaf length, leaf breadth, spike length, highest direct effect on number of flowers. A total of 20 tuberose genotypes were characterized for 13 traits by adopting DUS test gaidelines developed by PPV & FRA, New Delhi, Out of 5 visually assessed DUS characters, 4 were monomorphic, 7 dimorphic and 2 polymorphie. Six traits were identified for grouping of genotypes vir leaf length, bud colour, inflorescence length, flower type, flower shape, and days taken to floweringThesisItem Open Access “Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth, Flowering and Yield of African Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.). cv. Pusa Narangi Gainda Grown Under Semi-Arid Region.(Banda University of Agriculture &Technology, Banda- 210001, Uttar Pradesh India, 2022-09-08) Kumar, Ajay; Kanawjia, AmitA present investigation on “Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, flowering and yield of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cv. Pusa Narangi Gainda grown under semi-arid region” at College of Horticulture, Banda University of Agriculture & Technology Banda 210001, during 2021-22. The experiment was laid out Randomized Block Design (RBD) and comprised of ten treatments. Result revealed that treatment T9 (75% RDF + Vermi-compost @ 10 t/ha + liquid consortia 625 ml/ha) was found to be significantly good for both vegetative and floral parameters. Maximum plant height (75.62 cm), stem diameter (1.22 cm), flower diameter (6.1 cm) and flower weight (l.177 g) was recorded treatment T7 (75 % RDF + FYM @ 20 t/ha + liquid consortia 625 ml/ha). Maximum number of primary branches (25.4), maximum number of leaves per plant (258.1), maximum plant spread (41.7 cm), leaf area (45.3 cm), first bud initiation (36.2 days), firs flowering appearance (45.7 days), duration of flowering (61.1 days), number of flowers per plant (34.2), flower yield per plant (231.3 g) and flowers weight per plot (3777.1 g) were found in T9(75 % RDF + vermi-compost @ 10 t/ha + liquid consortia 625 ml/ha). Application of 75 % RDF /ha in combination with vermi-compost @ 10 t/ha and liquid consortia @ 625 ml/ha, resulted in highest yield (19.1 t/ha) with maximum net return (Rs. 626,820/ha) but highest benefit cost ratio (4.8:1) was found in T6 (75 % RDF + liquid consortia @ 625 ml/ha). Minimum vegetative and floral parameter recorded in T1 (100 % RDF, Control).ThesisItem Open Access Studies on genetic variability of China aster [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees] genotypes in Banda District of Bundelkhand region(Banda University of Agriculture & Technology Banda, 210 001 Uttar Pradesh, 2022-08-31) Patel, Rajat; Singh Tomar, . KrishnaChina aster [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees] belongs to one of the largest families of flowering plants, ‘Asteraceae’. China aster is a free blooming half hardy, easy growing winter annual grown for cut as well as for loose flowers. The cut flowers have good vase life and are used in flower arrangements, vases, bouquets, for interior decorations etc. The loose flowers are widely used for making garlands, for decorations, for worship and are also used in social functions. A field experiment was conducted during 2021-22 to study the ‘Studies on Genetic Variability of China aster [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees] genotypes in Banda district of Bundelkhand region’ at the Instructional Farm of the Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with fourteen treatments replicated thrice. All the cultivars performed with wide and significant differences for all the parameters studied i.e. their growth, quality and yield. 14 genotypes were evaluated for vegetative growth, flowering, yield and postharvest life during 2021-22, revealed that the genotypes, Phule Ganesh Purple, Phule Ganesh Violet, Namdhari White and Arka Shashank were found promising for longer flower stalk (44.48 cm, 43.93 cm, 39.29 cm and 38.43 cm, respectively) and vase life. These cultivars Phule Ganesh Violet, Phule Ganesh Purple, Namdhari White and Arka Shashank also having promising flower yield per ha which can be used for cut flower production. Arka Aadya, Arka Archana and Arka Poornima recorded highest yield per ha as well as showed minimum flower stalk length. Hence, these cultivars were found promising for loose flower production and garland making. High GCV and PCV were observed for plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, plant spread, number of ray florets per flower head, number of disc florets per flower head, flower stalk length, number of flowers per plant, individual flower weight, weight of flowers per plant, yield per hectare, vase life and shelf life. High heritability value coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, leaf length, leaf width, plant spread, days to first flower opening, number of flowers per plant, yield per hectare, flower diameter, number of ray florets per flower head, number of disc florets per flower head, individual flower weight, weight of flowers per plant, vase life and shelf life. Plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, plant spread, duration of flowering and weight of flowers per plant were highly significant and positive correlated with the number of flowers per plant. Path coefficient analysis revealed that the weight of flowers per plant recorded the highest direct effect on number of flowers per plant followed by the number of leaves per plant, plant spread, number of branches per plant, shelf life and plant height. Thus, direct selection of these traits would be rewarding for improvement in the flower yield. Based on Mahalanobis’s D2 analysis, fourteen genotypes were grouped into four clusters with maximum of seven genotypes in cluster I. Clusters II consist of four genotypes. Cluster III is solitary indicating its independent identity and various unique traits possessed by it. Cluster IV having two genotypes only. The highest inter cluster distance was recorded between clusters II & cluster IV and III & IV indicating that crosses may be attempted between the genotypes of cluster II & cluster IV and cluster III (Arka Aadya) & cluster IV to obtain new desirable recombinants in China aster. A total of 14 China aster genotypes were characterized for 19 traits by adopting DUS test guidelines developed by PPV & FRA, New Delhi. Out of 13 visually assessed DUS characters, 3 were monomorphic, 7 dimorphic and 6 polymorphic and 3 measurable traits showed polymorphism. Five traits were identified for grouping of genotypes viz., plant height, plant type, flower head diameter, shape and type of flower head. Key words: Variability, GCV, PCV, Heritability, Genetic advance per cent of mean, Correlation, Morphological characterization and China aster.ThesisItem Open Access “EFFECT OF FOLIAR APPLICATION OF MICRONUTRIENTS ON GROWTH, FLOWERING AND CORM PRODUCTION IN GLADIOLUS (Gladiolus hybridus Hort.)”(Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda -210001 Uttar Pradesh (India), 2022-08-20) SINGH, AMIT KUMAR; Kumar, RakeshAn investigation on “Effect of foliar application of micronutrients on growth, flowering and corm production in gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus Hort.) was carried out at Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture, Banda University of Agriculture& Technology, Banda during 2021-22. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. All the growth and yield parameters were periodically observed. Analysis of results revealed that the application of T9 (Zn 0.4% + Cu 0.4%) improved economically important characteristics viz. plant height at 60 days after planting (DAP) and 75 days after planting (52.27 cm & 67.93 cm) respectively, width of longest leaf (4.36 cm), length of longest leaf (52.93 cm), leaf area(82.07 cm2 ), days taken to spike emergence (77.40 days), days taken to opening of first floret (88.47 days), spike length (105.19 cm), rachis length (64.60 cm), water uptake (54.67 ml), number of cormels per plant (54.07) and corm diameter (6.02 cm). However, maximum number of leaves per plant (9.33), maximum florets per spike (14.93), maximum florets size (8.86 cm), most spike per plant (1.33), maximum duration of flowering (17.60 days), maximum fresh weight of the spike (63.94 g), maximum vase life (8.67 days), maximum number of corms per plant (1.60), maximum weight of corm & cormels per plant (55.39 g &20.38 g) respectively, were noticed with the treatment T8 (Zn 0.4% + Cu 0.2%). On the basis of research findings, it can be concluded that treatment T9 (Zn 0.4% + Cu 0.4%) showed the best performance w.r.t. vegetative growth, flowering, corm & cormel attributes of gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus Hort.) cv. White Prosperity.ThesisItem Open Access Influence of Different Composition of Growing Media on Growth and Yield of Pot mum (Chrysanthemum × morifolium Ramat.)(Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda-210001 (Uttar Pradesh) India, 2022-09-06) Singh, Rajat; Singh, Ajay KumarAn investigation on Influence of different compositions of growing media on growth and yield of pot mum (Chrysanthemum× morifolium Ramat.) was carried out at Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture, Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda during 2021-22. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications and ten treatments. The observations were recorded on vegetative and flowering parameters. The maximum plant height at first bud appearance (30.72cm), maximum plant height at harvesting stage (41.95cm), maximum primary branches per plant (15.33), maximum number of secondary branches per plant (33.00), maximum number of leaves per plant (424.89), maximum leaves biomass (306.50g), maximum average fresh weight of leaf (0.71g), dry weight of roots (52.82g), maximum flower longevity days (33.78days), maximum flower diameter (4.97cm), Maximum number of flower (214.11), maximum number of ray florets (260.67), maximum fresh weight of flower (2.38 g), maximum flower yield per plant (509.58 g) and maximum vase life flower (24.44days) were recorded in potting media comprising T7 (Cocopeat + Vermicompost + Leaf mould 2:1:1). However, maximum inter nodal lengths (2.52 cm) and minimum weight of growing media per pot (2.97kg) were reported in potting media treatment T4 (Cocopeat +Perlite +Vermiculite 2:1:1) whereas, maximum stem diameter (0.90 cm) and maximum plant spread (47.21cm), was recorded in potting media treatment T9 (Cocopeat +FYM +Sand +Vermicompost 2:1:0.5:0.5). The maximum number of suckers per plant (27.22) and maximum flower duration (55.89 days) were recorded in potting media treatment T6 (Cocopeat +Perlite +Leaf mould 2:1:1v/v/v). whereas, maximum root spread (19.95cm) and minimum days to first flower bud appearance (66.67 days) were recorded in potting media treatment T1 (Soil + Sand +FYM 2: 1:1 v/v/v). The maximum root length (23.21cm), minimum days to first flower opening (95.33days) and minimum days taken for full blooming (110.33days) were recorded in potting media treatment T10 soil (Control). Maximum flower peduncle length (5.70 cm) was observed in potting media treatment T5 (Cocopeat +Vermicompost +Vermiculite 2:1:1 v/vv).ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON GENETIC VARIABILITY IN MARIGOLD (Tagetes spp.)(Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda-210001, Uttar Pradesh, India, 2021-10-28) Gangwar, Rohit; Tomar, Krishna SinghThe present investigation was carried out at the Instructional Farm of Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology Banda during 2020-21 to study the variability studies in marigold (Tagetes spp.). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. Sixteen genotypes of marigold were evaluated for eighteen vegetative, flowering and yield related traits to study the genetic parameters such variability, heritability, coefficient of variation, correlation and path coefficient analysis. Analysis of variance for all the traits showed significant differences among genotypes. High range in mean performance was observed for plant height (5.40-21.62 cm), inter-nodal length (2.20-6.97 cm), number of primary branches per plant (3.96-19.54), number of secondary branches plant (11.37-78.50), days taken to first flowering (43.21-86.33 days), flowering duration (42.46-59.08 days), flower diameter (35.58-74.83 mm), fresh flower weight (1.19-11.55 g), number of flowers per plant (16.71-113.75), flower yield per plant (22.0-367.30 g) and seed yield per plant (10.60-69.10 g). High coefficient of variation was observed for dry flower weight, fresh flower weight and leaf area. High heritability was observed for shelf life (99.96%), number of leaves per plant (99.91%), number of petals per flowers (99.87%), fresh flower weight (99.79%), leaf area (99.65%) and plant height (99.46%). High Values of genetic advance as per cent of mean was recorded for dry flower weight (150.99%), fresh flower weight (144.13%), leaf area (136.71%), number of petals per flower (136.63%), seed yield per plant (124.65%), number of secondary branches per plant (115.51%) and number of flowers per plant (113.96%). The magnitude of correlation coefficient at genotypic level was found higher than the corresponding correlation at phenotypic level. Flower yield per plant had a positive and highly significant correlation both at genotypic and phenotypic levels with fresh flower weight (0.828, 0.818), number of petals per flower (0.816, 0.805), shelf life of flower (0.753, 0.739), dry flower weight (0.717, 0.709 ), flower diameter (0.717, 693) and flower duration (0.707, 0.665). Path coefficient analysis revealed that fresh flower weight (1.751, 1.649) exhibited maximum positive and direct effect on flower yield per plant at genotypic and phenotypic level followed by seed yield per plant (0.509, 0.477), days taken to first flowering (0.364, 0.266), number of primary branches per plant (0.272, 0.244), dry flower weight (0.271, 0.199), number of flowers per plant (0.263, 0.288) and shelf life (0.183, 0.182) respectively. Hence selections of these traits would be effective for flower yield improvement in marigold. The clustering pattern based on Mahalanobis D2 statistic indicated the existence of wide genetic divergence among genotypes for various traits studied and categorized the genotypes into five distinct clusters. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster-I and cluster-IV (12786.63) whereas the lowest was found between cluster-II and cluster V (2307.83).
