Genetic variability and character association studies in China aster (Callistephus chinensis) genotypes

Eleven genotypes of China aster were evaluated for fourteen quantitative characters. The analysis was significant for all fourteen characters studied. Genotypic coefficient of varia-tion was high for spread of plant, leaf area/plant, average weight of fresh flower and flower yield/plant. Heritability estimates for these characters were also relatively high which indicated that there was a scope for selection of these characters to improve flower yield and which was also marked by strong correlation and high expected genetic advance. The correlation studies revealed that flower yield was positively and significantly correlated with diameter of flower and number of flowers/plant during selection of genotypes for improvement in yield.