Genetic Variability, heritability and genetic advance studies in Carrot (Daucus carota var. sativa L.)

A study was carried out in mungbean Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) with eight ‘lines’ and four ‘testers’ crossed in a Line x Tester Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance were estimated for marketable and its component yield traits in 48 lines of carrot (Daucus carota var. sativa L.). The study showed high ranges for total yield (3.15 -7.56 kg/plot), marketable yield (2.60 – 6.85 kg/plot), root length (19.57 cm – 24.92 cm) and root weight (101.33 g –182.00g). The highest estimates of PCV and GCV were for marketable yield (PCV = 39.91, GCV = 37.21) followed by total yield (PCV = 34.35, GCV = 33.06) and root weight (PCV = 23.19, GCV = 21.72) and low for juice yield (PCV = 4.20, GCV = 3.93) followed by dry matter (PCV = 6.61, GCV = 5.25) and root girth (PCV = 9.40. GCV = 1.09). Narrow differences between PCV and GCV, gave evidence to the lines that the variability existing in them was mainly due to their genetic makeup. High heritability was noticed for plant weight (96.30%) followed by total yield (92.60%), root weight (87.70%) and juice yield (87.70%). Root girth, root to shoot ratio and core girth showed low heritability estimates. High heritability in broad sense indicated that large proportion of phenotypic variance was attributable to the genotypic variance and less influenced by the environment. High genetic advance was observed for marketable yield (71.43) followed by total yield (65.58) and plant weight (45.71) whereas it was low for root girth (0.34), root to top ratio (0.53) and core girth (2.04) which indicates that these traits are likely to respond better to selection.