Genetic variability studies in amaranthus (Amaranthus spp.)

An investigation was carried out to estimate the nature and extent of genetic variability​ ​among twenty Amaranthus genotypes (Amaranthus spp.) under a randomized block designduring the year 2019-20. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than the genotypic​ ​coefficient of variation for all the traits. High genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and​ ​phenotypic coefficient variation (PCV) was observed for leaf area, leaf area index, leaf area​ ​duration, AGR, dry weight of leaf per plant, specific leaf weight, speed of germination,​ ​chlorophyll content and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Moderate GCV and PCV were observed​ ​for leaf length, leaf width, petiole length, dry weight of stem per plant, leaf: stem ratio and​ ​foliage yield per plant. The high estimates of heritability coupled with higher values of genetic​ ​advance as per cent mean (GAM) were observed for the parameters like test weight, speed of​ ​germination, germination percentage, seedling dry matter, seedling vigour index-1, seedling​ ​vigour index-2, plant height, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, leaf area index, leaf area​ ​duration, AGR, specific leaf weight, stem weight per plot, dry weight of leaf, dry weight of​ ​stem, leaf: stem ratio, foliage yield per plant, chlorophyll, ascorbic acid and beta- carotene​ ​content which indicates the predominance of additive gene action. Arka Arunima,​ ​Chikmagalur local, IC-551486, IC-551494 and IC-551466 recorded high foliage yield per​ ​plot and these can be utilized in further breeding programmes.