Estimation of genetic parameters for fodder yield and yield components in lucerne (Medicago sativa L.)

Abstract

In the present study, seventy lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) genotypes were evaluated to assess the geneticvariability for ten morphological and yield traits. Besides, screening based on visual scoring was done against rust diseaseand aphid infestation during Rabi 2020-21 at IGFRI, SRRS, Dharwad. The genotypes were significantly different for all thetraits studied, which indicated substantial variability. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded forgreen fodder yield, dry fodder yield, regeneration ability and leaf to stem ratio, indicating the predominance of additiveeffects in the inheritance of these characters. The phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) were invariably higher thantheir corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), thereby suggesting the environmental influence. High estimatesof GCV and PCV were observed for green fodder yield, dry fodder yield and regeneration ability, suggesting that selectionfor these characters would facilitate the successful isolation of desirable types whereas days to first flowering, days to 50per cent flowering, days to maturity and plant height had low GCV and PCV, implying that the phenotypic selection forthese traits is not desirable. Heritability coupled with genetic advance as a percent of mean was also low for aforementionedtraits, indicating that environment had a greater influence on their expression. The study conducted helped to identify thegenotypes with superior traits, which is vital in planning a sound breeding programme for developing superior populationsor composites