Characterization of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) Genotypes based on Morpho-economic Traits

Background: An experiment entitled “Characterization of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) genotypes based on morpho-economic traits’’ was conducted during the year 2021-2022 at the Cashew Research Station (CRS), Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Fifteen cashew genotypes planted during the year 2014 were evaluated for various morpho-economic traits. Methods: The experiment was laid out following the statistical design RBD (Randomized block design) with two replications. All the standard package of practices were adopted throughout the evaluation period. Evaluation of fifteen cashew genotypes for various morpho-economic traits revealed significant variations within the genotypes. Result: Estimation of variability revealed that high GCV, PCV, heritability, genetic advance and genetic advance (as % mean) were recorded in traits viz. shelling %, nut yield, kernel weight, nuts m-2 and mean annual nut yield. Flowering laterals m-2, nuts panicle-1, nuts m-2 and kernel weight recorded significant positive correlation with nut yield plant-1 both at genotypic and phenotypic level. Nut weight (1.846) had the highest positive direct effect on nut yield at phenotypic level followed by shelling % (0.837) and nut m-2 (0.486). Evaluation of genotypes for nut yield and yield attributing traits revealed that, genotype, RP-2 recorded the highest number of nuts panicle-1 (10.50), nuts m-2 (61.43) and shelling% (32.55). Significantly highest apple weight (75.0 g) was recorded in genotype VTH-711/4. Number of total laterals m-2 (26.99), number of flowering laterals m-2 (24.18), duration of flowering (60.5), mean annual nut yield plant-1 (12.33 kg) and cumulative nut yield plant-1 (40.73 kg) were recorded maximum in genotype, C2-6. The genotype C2-6 recorded (13.70%) higher yield than the check genotype BPP-8 (10.64 kg plant-1) at 6th harvest.