Genetic studies in fenugreek [Trigonella foenum-graecum (L.)]
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Date
2020-11
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G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand)
Abstract
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is the third largest seed spice in India (after coriander and cumin). This is one of the oldest cultivated medicinal known plants in recorded history. India is the largest producer of fenugreek in the world. Though, wide genetic variability exists in this crop with regards to yield and its contributing characters. Seventeen genotypes (FGK122, FGK123, FGK124, FGK125, FGK126, FGK127, FGK128, FGK129, FGK130, FGK131, FGK132, FGK133, FGK134, FGK135, FGK136, FGK137 and FGK138) with one check variety (Pant Ragini) of fenugreek were evaluated in Randomized Block Design during Rabi season of 2018-19 at Vegetable Research centre, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, to study the genetic variation for nine growth and yield characters namely, days to 50% flowering, plant height (cm), number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length (cm), number of seeds per pod, test weight (g), days to maturity and seed yield (kg per plot) and seven quality characters namely, total phenolic content, total flavonoids content, total tannins, total protein, carbohydrates, elementary analysis and antibacterial activity. The pooled data were subjected to statistical analysis. The results of analysis variance revealed that difference among fenugreek genotypes was highly significant for the characters viz., test weight, number of seeds per pod, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, and seed yield. Whereas, significant behaviour was found in pod length, plant height, number of branches per plant and number of pods per plant. The highest value of PCV and GCV obtained for number of pods per plant. High heritability and high genetic advance as percentage of mean reported by test weight (g). Highly positive correlation for seed yield (kg per plot) reported by number of branches per plant, days to 50% flowering, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and days to maturity. Path coefficient analysis showed positive direct effect on seed yield (kg per plot) was exhibited by number of branches per plant, days to 50% flowering, pod length (cm) and days to maturity. Analysis of quality characters indicated that fenugreek seeds serve as good source of medicine therapeutic use as it has large amount of phenolic and flavonoid content. High amount of calcium and potassium was also found in fenugreek seeds. Fenugreek seeds also serves as a good antibacterial potential because little amount of fenugreek seed extract inhibit the growth of bacteria. On the basis of current analysis, it was concluded that there was a wide range of variance between the genotypes which was considered as scope for improving fenugreek cultivar through selection. Selection based on characters like number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length (cm), test weight (g) and number of seeds per pod will substantially increases the yield. Out of eighteen genotypes, FGK124, Pant Ragini, FGK136, FGK137 and FGK132 yields were found to be superior. Genotypes FGK138, FGK134, FGK129, FGK131 and FGK123 showed some better performance for most of the quality parameters.