Genetic Variability, Heritability, Genetic Advance, Correlation Coefficient and Path Analysis of Fennel Genotypes

Background: Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) is a diploid horticultural species celebrated for its biennial or perennial life cycle. The cultivation of high yielding varieties necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the prevailing genetic diversity and the heritability of various traits. Therefore, the estimation of GCV and PCV, genetic progress and heritability, genetic advancement and correlation between seed yield and various quality is crucial. Methods: The present investigation was conducted at College of Agriculture in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh during the Rabi season in 2021-2022. This study evaluated twenty four fennel genotypes using a randomized block design with three replications. The primary aim was to explore the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advancement and analyze the nature and magnitude of correlations, path coefficients and genetic divergence related seed yield and its contributing traits. Result: The highest coefficient of variation, both GCV and PCV were recorded for number of umbels per plant, followed by number of seeds per umbel, branches per plant, seed yield per ha and per plant, test weight, plant height and number of umbellets per plant. High heritability was associated with genetic advance as a percentage of mean for traits such as number of seeds per umbel, seed yield and number of umbels per plant. Cluster V exhibited the highest intra cluster D2 followed by cluster III, both of which were polygenotypic. A thorough examination of the cluster means as well as intra and inter cluster distances and individual performances revealed that the genotypes RF 101 (check), UF 231 and RF 205 (check) stands out as superior options demonstrating significant genetic diversity. Thus, these genotypes may be utilized in future breeding programmes for creating maximum variability.