Variability and stability of genotypic performance in Henna (Lawsonia inermis L.) under semi-arid conditions of Rajasthan

Ten genotypes of henna (Lawsonia inermis L.), a popular leaf-based dye crop, were evaluated for five growth and yield traits and for leaf dye content in three years of regrowth under rainfed conditions at two semi-arid locations differing in soil characteristics. Pooled ANOVA over the environments revealed significant variation among the genotypes for plant height, dry leaf yield, stem yield and seed yield per plant. Location x year interaction effect was evident for all the traits. Dry leaf yield per plant recorded significant variation due to genotype x year interaction. Genotypic differences were non-significant for lawsone dye content in leaves which, however, showed significant variation due to year of production. The dye content in leaves appeared to be higher in year recording longer sunshine hours during crop period. Stability analysis conducted for dry leaf yield indicated similar response of the genotypes to environment with highest bi value recorded by S-8 accession. Among the genotypes S-8 and S-21 alone recorded significant deviation from regression. These genotypes produced high dry leaf yield per plant but, as desired, low seed production was found in S-8. Overall, S-8 was considered most superior among all genotypes for leaf production under the semi-arid environment.