Vol. 7, Issue 11, Part G (2025)

The study at hand on Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum L.) aimed to assess genetic variability, character associations, and the direct and indirect contributions of key traits to green forage yield. Forty the genotypes were assessed during the Kharif season 2024 following a randomized block design incorporating two replications, and data were measured for thirteen morphological and nutritional traits. The analysis of variance showed significant variability in all the studied traits, suggesting considerable scope for selection. Genotypes RN-2024-12, RN-2024-25, RN-2024-31, and RBN-16-61 showed superior green forage and dry matter yields. Phenotypic coefficients of variation slightly exceeded genotypic values for most traits. High genotypic and phenotypic variability was observed for leaf breadth, leaf length, plant height, number of leaves, number of tillers, leaf-to-stem ratio, dry matter content, dry matter yield, crude protein content, and crude protein yield. Green forage yield was negatively associated with days to flowering and oxalic acid content. All traits exhibited high broad-sense heritability; coupled with high genetic advance, traits such as crude protein yield, crude protein content, leaf width, green forage yield, and dry matter yield showed predominantly additive gene action. Path analysis identified dry matter yield per plant, crude protein yield, leaf length, plant height, and number of tillers as major contributors with strong positive direct effects on green forage yield. Considering correlation and path analyses together, plant height, leaf number, tiller number, leaf length, leaf width, dry matter yield, and crude protein yield emerged as the most reliable selection criteria for improving green forage yield in Napier grass.