Variability, heritability and association analysis in plant traits of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. Cicla)

Plant breeders mainly interested in improvement agronomic properties of desirable trait accompanied with genetic architecture of major characters and their interrelationship. Genetic variability and character association are prime importance and provide essential contribution for successful breeding programme. In the present research genetic variability, heritability, phenotypic and genotypic correlations of several agronomic characters were studied in fifty-four swiss chard accessions and cultivars. Analysis of variance observed highly significant variations among accessions, and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher magnitude of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all agronomic characters. The lamina length, lamina width, petiole thickness, petiole width, lightness, chroma and leaf dry matter observed high magnitude broad sense heritable characters accompanied with high genetic advance. Genotypic correlation coefficient showed higher than phenotypic correlation coefficient which could be explained by low environmental effect on investigated agronomic traits. Positive correlation was revealed between petiole length, lamina length, lamina width, petiole thickness and petiole width which comprise total yield in swiss chard