Genetic variability and correlation studies in berseem (Trifolium alexandrium L.) for fodder yield and quality traits

Twenty eight genotypes of berseem were evaluated for twelve morpho-physiological traits including four quality traits. Coefficient of phenotypic variability (PCV) and the genotypic coefficient of variability (GCV) were close for most of the traits. Also high estimates of GCV and PCV were observed for dry matter yield, stem thickness, internode length, leaflet length, and leaflet width. All the quality traits under study viz; CP, IVDMD, ADF and NDF showed high heritability (broad sense) but low values of GA. Results indicate that plant height, number of leaflets/plant, leaflet width and dry matter yield had positive and significant correlation at genotypic as well as phenotypic level with green fodder yield and the selection based on these traits may result in improving green fodder yield in berseem. Crude protein (CP%) exhibited negative correlation with green fodder yield. Traits like plant height, dry matter yield, stem thickness, internode length, leaflet length, leaflet width showed positive and highly significant correlation amongst each other except with the quality traits such as ADF and NDF.