Assessment of genetic variability and diversity in Niger (Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass) 

Abstract:

 Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all traits except number of branches per plant and number of internodes per plant, indicating the existence of substantial genetic variability. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for number of branches per plant, number of internodes per plant, and days to 50 per cent flowering, suggesting the predominance of additive gene action and the effectiveness of selection for these traits. Mahalanobis D² analysis grouped the genotypes into eight distinct clusters, indicating considerable genetic divergence. Plant height contributed the highest proportion to total genetic divergence, followed by seed yield per plant and number of capitula per plant. Among the genotypes evaluated, IGPN-1408, IGPN-1801, IGPN-1810, and IGPN-1932 exhibited desirable performance for important yield-related traits and may be effectively utilized as parents in hybridization programmes aimed at improving seed yield and related traits in niger.