Genetic Variability for Quantitative Traits in China Aster [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees]

A field study was conducted to estimate genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in 20 genotypes of China aster for 15 traits during the year 2012-13 in Randomized Complete Block Design, with three replications. Results revealed that the magnitude of phenotypic co-efficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic co-efficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits studied. Narrow differences between GCV and PCV were recorded in all the characters except flowering duration, vase-life and shelf-life, indicating little environmental influence on expression of these characters. High (>20%) GCV and PCV were recorded for plant height, number of branches and leaves per plant, flower diameter, number of ray and disc florets/flower head, stalk length, and, number and weight of flowers/plant. Heritability estimates ranged from 28.30% (flowering duration) to 99.54% (flower diameter). High heritability (<60%) was observed for all the traits except flowering duration. High heritability, coupled with high genetic advance as per cent mean, was recorded for flower diameter, stalk-length, number of branches/plant, weight of flowers/plant, days to first flower opening, days to 50 per cent flowering, plant height, number of leaves/plant, number of ray and disc florets/flower head, number of flowers/plant, indicating a possible role of additive gene action. Thus, these traits can be improved through selection and breeding.