Genetic Variability for Mulberry Fruit Traits in Different Mulberry Accessions (Morus spp.)

Abstract

The present study comprised of thirty- seven mulberry accessions. There are large differences were observed between the minimum and maximum range during rainy season and winter season. Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV %) was found to be higher than the respective genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV %) for all the characters denoting variability among genotypes in both the seasons. Estimates of phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variations were high for fruit weight 105.64, 105.60%) and (70.09, 69.98 %) followed by number of seeds per fruits (58.47, 55.86%) and no. of fruits per fruits (38.45, 38.31%) in rainy season respectively. Maximum heritability was observed for fruit weight (99.92) during rainy season and in winter season PH of mulberry fruit juice recorded maximum heritability (99.93 %). Highest genetic advance was recorded for number of fruits per plant (898.09) and (790.28) during rainy and winter respectively. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean in respect of No. of days required for fruit formation, fruit length(cm), fruit width(cm), No. of fruits/plant, No. of fruits/plant, PH of mulberry fruit juice, Number of seeds per fruits and germination per cent of seed per fruit was observed in rainy and winter seasons.