Genetic variability, heritability, correlation analysis for quantitative traits in Asiatic lilium

In present investigation genetic studies were carried out with eight Asiatic lilium genotypes, viz., Avelino, Botticelli, Brunello, Detroit, Farfalla, Gironde, Navona and Vermeer on 19 quantitative traits so as to identify promising traits based on which selection can be made. The experiment carried out following randomized block design with three replications. Results indicated that high phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variations were found for leaf length, leaf breadth, plant spread, number of flowers/plant, pedicel length, number of bulblets/bulb, and scales/bulb indicating high genetic variability in these traits. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for plant height, leaf length, leaf breadth, plant spread, number of flowers/plant, bud length before opening, pedicel length, petal length, bulb weight, number of bulblets/bulb, scales/bulb and propagation coefficient, indicating the possible role of additive gene action. Flower diameter was positive and significantly associated with number of flowers/plant, bud diameter, bud diameter, petal length, petal breadth, bulb weight, bulb diameter, bulb height and propagation coefficient. To improve flower yield/plant in Asiatic lilium, focus should be given on number of leaves per plant as it has positive correlation with number of flowers per plant.