Author(s): Devidas Deshmukh

Abstract: Fifty-two kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) germ lines were evaluated to study genetic variability, heritability, genetic progress, correlation coefficient and path analysis for yield and yield attributes. Differences were statistically significant between genotypes for all traits. Genotype KIM-14 was found promising for fiber yield and yield contributing traits. Stick weight per plant showed the highest variance at genotypic and phenotypic levels followed by plant height, days to flower initiation, days to 50% flowering, fiber yield and percent fiber recovery and the lowest variance was in green biomass and basal diameter. A higher phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all traits revealed that the characters were strongly influenced by the environment. Days to 50% flowering showed high heritability followed by days to flowering, fiber yield, stick weight and plant height indicating a good amount of additive genetic components that can be easily utilized for further crop improvement program. Stick weight and plant height remained higher and green weight remained lower with genetic advance. Moderate to high genetic advance with higher heritability above the mean percentage was in stick weight and plant height indicating the predominance of additive gene action. Thus, selection should consider these traits to develop kenaf varieties with high fiber content. The value of the genotypic correlation was higher than that of the phenotypic correlation to eliminate the influence of the environment on the strengthening of the genetic association. Yield contributing traits were significantly associated with fiber yield per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Basal diameter at genotypic level and stick yield, fiber recovery percentage and days to flowering maintained a positive phenotypic and genotypic direct effect on fiber yield per plant.

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