Deciphering Morphological Variability and Genetic Determinants of Yield and its Components in Fennel

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted during Rabi 2022–23 at the Vegetable Research Centre, JNKVV, Jabalpur, using 33 fennel genotypes evaluated in a Randomized Block Design with three replications. A wide range of morphological variation was observed among the genotypes. Frequency-based characterization revealed greater prevalence of long cotyledons, long first-leaf petiole, spreading growth habit, dense and dark green foliage, basal branching, late flowering, short plant height and low test weight. Analysis of variance indicated highly significant differences among genotypes for all traits studied, confirming the presence of considerable genetic variability. Phenotypic coefficients of variation exceeded genotypic coefficients for all characters, though both were high for number of umbels per plant followed by number of secondary branches, number of seeds per umbel, number of umbellets per umbel. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for plant height, number of secondary branches, number of umbels per plant and number of seeds per umbel, indicating predominant additive gene action and higher effectiveness of selection. Correlation analysis revealed that seed yield per hectare was significantly and positively associated with number of primary branches, number of umbels per plant, number of seeds per umbel, test weight, seed yield per plant and seed yield per plot, identifying these traits as key yield determinants. Path coefficient analysis further confirmed strong positive direct effects of number of seeds per umbel, test weight, seed yield per plant and seed yield per plot on seed yield.