Genetic variability and correlation studies in sweet flag (Acorus calamus L.) accessions

The study was conducted at Horticultural Research Station, Venkataramannagudem, for evaluation of variability parameters and correlation studies of fourteen characters among thirty-eight sweet flag accessions. The analysis of variance indicated a sufficient level of variability for the characters that were evaluated. For every character, a slightly greater PCV than GCV suggests that the environment has some influence on them. High percent mean of PCV, GCV, heritability, and genetic advancement were noted for leaf length, leaf width, leaf count, nodes count, internodal length, number of sprouts, number of rhizome lets, rhizome length, rhizome girth, fresh rhizome yield per plant, dry rhizome yield per plant, fresh rhizome yield per ha and dry rhizome yield per ha implying that the additive genetic components play a crucial part when assessing these characteristics. These attributes have potential to be enhanced using a simple selection. Examination of the correlation coefficient revealed an association of leaf length, leaf width, number of leaves, internodal length, number of rhizome lets, number of sprouts, rhizome length, rhizome girth, fresh rhizome yield per ha, dry rhizome yield per plant and dry rhizome yield per ha among themselves were positive and highly significant.