Studies on genetic variability of China aster [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees] genotypes in Banda District of Bundelkhand region
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Date
2022-08-31
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Banda University of Agriculture & Technology Banda, 210 001 Uttar Pradesh
Abstract
China 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.
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Citation
Rajat Patel. 2022. Studies on genetic variability of China aster [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees] genotypes in Banda District of Bundelkhand region. M.Sc. Thesis