Genetic evaluation of Salacia chinensis L. accessions for yield and related traits

Thirteen accessions of Salacia chinensis L., a threatened species known for its medicinal properties, were evaluated in terms of variability, heritability and genetic advance for yield and other contributing traits. Genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation were highest for fruit yield per plant followed by plant spread, fruit weight and seed weight. High heritability were observed for fruit weight (99.1%), fruit yield per plant (98.5%), seed length (98.1%), seed weight (97.2%), leaf area (96.8%), fruit length (96.8%), plant spread (96.2%), seed diameter (96.2%), fruit diameter (94.2%), leaf length (92.1%), leaf width (86.4%), plant height (85.1%) and petiole length (84.1%) thus indicating that these characters has additive gene effect and hence, they can be used for effective selection.