Estimation of genetic variability and correlation among different ryegrass genotypes for fodder yield and quality related traits.

Ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is the most important fodder crop grown worldwide. The presentresearch work was carried out at the research area of MNS university of Agriculture, Multan.Twenty ryegrass accessions were sown in three replications following a randomized completeblock design. Analysis of variance showed that genotypes significant for all traits instead offresh fodder yield and dry fodder yield. The genotypes 193145 and 196538 showed bestresults for most of the traits studied. The phenotypic and genotypic positive and significantassociation of plant height, leaf area and dry weight with fresh fodder yield was observed.Dry fodder yield had a positive and significant association with plant height and leaf area,fresh weight, crude protein and ash contents at genotypic level. So, the dry weight hadhighest positive direct effect on fresh fodder yield followed by number of tillers. Leaf areaand crude protein was negative direct effect on fresh fodder yield. The highest positiveindirect effect by crude protein via dry fodder yield followed by number of tillers and leafarea. It was concluded that plant height, number of tilers, plant height, leaf area and dryweight will be used as selection criteria for improving the fodder yield.