Genetic evaluation of biochemical characters of local genotypes of garlic from different districts of Himachal Pradesh

Garlic is an important bulb crop that has been extensively studied over multiple years and has been used to combat infectious diseases for ages. Twenty diverse genotypes of garlic were assessed for the estimation of important horticultural and biochemical traits at the Experimental Farm of Horticultural Research & Training Station and KVK, Kandaghat. Highest bulb weight was recorded in genotype Jammu Collection followed by Afghanistan Collection and Mahi Collection. Total Soluble Solids was found maximum in Kashmir Collection and for dry matter content GT Selection recorded the maximum content which was found to be statistically at par with Ramshehar collection, Agrifound Parvati and Mahi collection. Agrifound Parvati also recorded the highest oleoresin content which was found to be statically at par with Deothi Collection and Chausa Collection. Kandaghat Selection had the highest sulphur content and was found to be statically at par with Dolag collection, Baniya devi Collection, PG-17, Chausa collection, Deothi Collection and Agrifound Collection. High heritability in association with high genetic gain was recorded for sulphur content. While high heritability coupled with moderate genetic gain were found for characters viz., dry matter, bulb weight and total soluble solids, which indicated the predominance of additive variance in expression of these traits. Bulb weight was found to be positively and significantly correlated with total soluble solids and dry matter, while it was negatively and significantly associated with oleoresin and sulphur content.