Variability, character association and path coefficient analysis in fennel

Genetic variability, heritability, correlation and path analysis were estimated among 45 genotypes of 10 quantitative characters in fennel. The highest genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed for seed yield per plant and biological yield per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for seeds per umbel and biological yield per plant indicating the importance of additive gene effects for these traits. The umbellets per umbel (0.43**), seeds per umbel (0.46**), biological yield per plant (0.84**) and harvest index (0.45**) exhibited positive and significant correlation with the seed yield. Path coefficient analysis revealed that seeds per umbel had highest direct effect on seed yield followed by test weight and biological yield per plant. Therefore, greater emphasis should be given on these characters while selecting for higher yield and related traits.