Genetic variability in quantitative characters of marigold

Nine parents of marigold and its 36 F₁s were evaluated to ascertain genetic parameters of variability, heritability and genetic advance. Highest range of variation was reported with number of leaves/plant followed by leaf biomass whereas leaf biomass exhibited maximum range of variation followed by number of leaves/plant. The coefficient of variation was minimum for total chlorophyll content of leaf followed by breadth of ray floret whereas under pooled data analysis, it was found minimum for average dry weight of leaf followed by total chlorophyll content of leaf. In all the three different studies, coefficient of variation was maximum for seed yield/plant. In first year, heritability estimates were high for all the characters except total chlorophyll content of leaf, seed germination percentage and length of ray floret, whereas in the second year total chlorophyll content of leaf, number of leaves/plant, leaf biomass, number of secondary branches/plant, peduncle length and shelf life of flowers attained lower heritability values. Under pooled data analysis, total chlorophyll content of leaf, number of leaves/plant, leaf biomass, seed germination percentage, days taken to seed ripening and seed yield/plant were found with lower heritability estimates. High heritability with high genetic advance were found with number of flowers/plant, number of petals/flower, flower yield/plant and seed yield/plant.