Genetic Variability Studies in Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) Genotypes under Hill Zone of Karnataka

The present investigation was undertaken to estimate the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for growth and yield parameters among 30 genotypes of sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] in a randomized block design with two replications during rabi 2017-18 at College of Horticulture, Mudigere, Karnataka. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant difference among the genotypes was observed for all the growth and yield parameters. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation for all the traits. High (>20 %) genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient variation (PCV) were observed for leaf area, tuber weight, dry weight of vine, total tuber yield per vine, total tuber yield per plot and marketable yield per hectare. It indicated the existence of broad genetic base, which would be amenable for further selection. High heritability (>60 %) coupled with high genetic advance as per cent over mean (>20 %) were recorded for the characters viz., vine length, number of leaves per vine, inter nodal length, vine girth, chlorophyll content, leaf area, tuber length, tuber girth, tuber weight, dry weight of vine, total tuber yield per vine, total tuber yield per plot and marketable yield per hectare indicated that the high heritability is due to additive gene effects which can be utilized for further crop improvement programme.