Vol. 12, Issue 10 (2023)

Author(s):
K Ranjithkumar, J Cheena, M Sreenivas, A Nirmala and BSK Nikhil

Abstract:
Information regarding genetic relationships among different promising lines are very valuable in crop improvement initiatives. This study aimed to identify the best promising ashwagandha lines out of the 8 under investigation by assessing genetic variability, broad-sense heritability, and genetic advancement in terms of growth, yield, and quality traits. The research involved eight ashwagandha promising lines and was conducted in a Randomized Block Design with three replications at the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Station in Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, SKLTSHU during the late Kharif season of 2022-23. Analysis of variance unveiled significant differences among the promising lines, signifying substantial level of variability in all 24 evaluated traits. The minimal disparity between Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV) and Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) suggested that environmental factors had limited influence on trait expression. Traits such as plant height, number of branches per plant, leaf width, days to flower initiation, seed yield per plant, seed yield per plot, main root length, main root diameter, number of secondary roots per plant, fresh root weight per plant, dry root yield per plant, fresh root weight per plot, dry root yield per plot, fresh root weight per hectare, and dry root yield per hectare exhibited notably high PCV and GCV estimates.