Genetic Variability Studies in Garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Studies on genetic variability were carried out among 45 diverse genotypes of garlic for different characters to identify elite genotypes to be used in breeding programme. The results showed high genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation for traits like bulb weight per plant (GCV = 36.50; PCV = 37.42), yield per plot (GCV = 36.34; PCV = 37.70) and number of scales per bulb (GCV = 35.88; PCV = 38.69). High heritability values were obtained for all the characters under study. High heritability estimates coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean (genetic gain) was observed for yield per plot (72.18), bulb weight per plant (73.32), number of scales per bulb (68.54), clove weight (64.29) and number of cloves per bulb (63.52). So, these characters can be easily improved by selection methods. It was observed that heritable variability in the breeding materials characters like yield per plot, bulb weight per plant, number of scales per bulb, clove weight, number of cloves per bulb, leaf breadth, total soluble solids, equatorial diameter of bulb, breadth of clove, number of leaves per pseudostem, length of clove, plant height, leaf length and polar diameter of bulb could be exploited for improvement through individual plant selection.