Genetic variability and character association in growing plants of Physic nut [Jatropha curcas (L.)]

Abstract

To study variability and character association the 26 characters which includes vegetative, flowering, fruit and quality characters were recorded on three and four year old plants of 56 germplasm lines in the years 2007 and 2008. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits except for number of primary branches per plant in both the years. High heritability was recorded for area of fully matured leaf and 100-seed weight at both the years and for seed content at three year age. High genetic gain was depicted by number of fruiting branches per plant, fruit yield per plant, seed yield per plant and acid value at both the age. High genetic gain coupled with moderate heritability was observed for number of fruiting branches per plant and acid value at both the age and for fruit yield per plant and seed yield per plant at four year age. Correlation of seed yield per plant with plant height, stem girth, number of fruiting branches per plant, number of fruits per fruiting branch, petiole length, seeds per fruit, fruit yield per plant, seed content, kernel: shell ratio and oil content was significant positive at both the age. The positively correlated characters which exhibited positive direct effects on seed yield per plant were fruit yield per plant, seed content and number of fruits per fruiting branch at both the ages. Significant inter correlations were also existed among the characters associated with seed yield.