Genetic Analysis of Onion Polycross Families for enhanced Agronomic and Biochemical traits

ANIL KHAR

doi:10.56093/ijas.v96i10.176499

Authors

ANIL KHAR Indian Agricultural Research Institute

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijas.v96i10.176499

Abstract

Onion’s small, protandrous, hermaphroditic flowers hinder manual emasculation and pollination, rendering polycross breeding a practical alternative to hybrid breeding. This approach facilitates the assessment of general combining ability (GCA) of parental lines through polycross progeny testing, aiding the selection of superior genotypes for the development of synthetic varieties. This study focused on evaluating polycross progenies and identification of most suitable parental lines for breeding to enhance yield, quality, and disease resistance. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences in general combining ability (GCA) among progenies, indicating predominance of additive gene effects. Parental lines like Sukhsagar, Arka Pitambar, Arka Kalyan, and AKON072 exhibited strong GCA for important traits, making them promising candidates for breeding. Phenotypic variance exceeded genotypic variance for all traits, with some traits showing high heritability, facilitating effective selection. Additive genetic coefficient of variation was highest for pyruvic acid, marketable yield, total phenols, and dry matter, suggesting potential for selection. Polycross progenies outperformed parental lines in most traits, except neck fall and pyruvic acid and demonstrated significant differences under inoculated and non-inoculated conditions. UPGMA clustering showed moderate genetic diversity among 45 progenies. Molecular analysis using 13 polymorphic SSR markers revealed 40 alleles, average gene diversity of 0.49, and mean heterozygosity of 0.38. PIC values ranged from 0.23 to 0.59, highlighting marker effectiveness for diversity assessment.

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Author Biography

ANIL KHAR, Indian Agricultural Research Institute

Principal Scientist

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