Multi-environment evaluation of genetic variability for agronomic traits in Niger (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.)

The present study evaluated 83 Niger (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.) germplasm lines under the aegis of the Project Coordinating Unit (Sesame & Niger) at BSP (Soybean Unit), JNKVV, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) across four Kharif seasons: 2022 (EI & EII) and 2023 (EIII & EIV), including a pooled analysis. The trials were conducted on uniform, medium black soil devoid of waterlogging. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among genotypes for all studied traits across individual environments and in the pooled data, indicating substantial genetic variability. High estimates of genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were recorded for seed yield per plant and biological yield per plant, indicating considerable genetic potential that is influenced by environmental factors. Moderate GCV and PCV were observed for the number of capitula per plant, harvest index, plant height, and number of primary and secondary branches per plant. Traits such as plant height, biological yield per plant, number of capitula per plant, test weight, and days to 50% flowering exhibited consistently high heritability across all environments and pooled data. Furthermore, seed yield per plant, biological yield per plant, number of capitula per plant, and harvest index displayed high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (GAM), suggesting the predominance of additive gene action and their suitability for selection-based genetic improvement. These findings underscore the potential of specific traits and genotypes for targeted breeding programs aimed at enhancing Niger productivity and adaptability.