Genetic variability and correlation studies in spinach beet

Six spinach lines/varieties of diverse origin were studied. Highest total plant weight, leaf weight, stalk weight, leaf length and dry matter production was observed in P-6, Pusa Harit and V-1. The variety V-4 and Pusa Harit were found to be resistant to cercospora leaf spot and powdery mildew, respectively. Very high genotypic and phenotypic variance, heritability and genetic advance were observed for total plant weight, powdery mildew and cercospora leaf spot. Dry matter production recorded highly significant genotypic and phenotyic positive correlations with total plant height, leaf length, petiole length and thickness while negative associations was observed with cercospora leaf spot and powdery mildew. Breeding procedures were suggested to make use of both additive and dominant genetic variances for crop improvement.