Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in growth and yield component traits of banana

In the present investigation 22 dessert banana genotypes were evaluated under coastal plain zone of Odisha during the year 2013-14 and 2104-15 in a randomized block design with three replications. Observations were recorded on growth parameters and yield attributing traits. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences among the genotypes in respect of all the growth parameters and yield attributing traits. The PCV and GCV (phenotypic and genotypic coefficient variation) were higher for finger weight, bunch weight and number of fingers. The lowest GCV (8.09) was observed in number of leaves and the maximum GCV (35.02) was observed in finger weight. Bunch girth and finger weight had very high broad sense heritability (> 90.0%). Finger weight recorded the highest genetic advance (71.82) followed by bunch weight (68.85).