Genetic Variability and Character Association Studies in Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.)

Experiment was conducted to study the nature and magnitude of genetic variability in twelve genotypes of apple for various horticultural traits during 2018-19 in Kullu valley agroclimate of Himachal Pradesh, so as to identify promising traits on which selection can be made. Sufficient genetic variability was recorded among the genotypes under study. High heritability coupled with high genetic gain was found for the characters viz., trunk girth, tree spread, tree volume, titratable acidity, non-reducing sugars, sugar-acid ratio, fruit volume, fruit set and fruit drop. Yield per plant had shown positive and significant correlation with positive and significant association with trunk girth (0.50) followed by tree spread (0.39) and annual shoot growth (0.34) at genotypic level. Path coefficient had positive direct effect towards fruit yield per tree: tree height (1.94), leaf area (1.33), trunk girth (1.08), fruit breadth (0.57), tree spread (0.29) and fruit weight (0.19). Suggesting that these parameters should be considered as prime traits during selection of desirable genotypes. The genotypes Scarlet Spur, Red Delicious were found promising for fruit length, fruit breadth, fruit weight, fruit volume, titratable acidity and non-reducing sugars whereas, Red Delicious V-22 was found promising for yield per plant (kg).