Genetic variability, character association and path analysis studies in Kharif onion (Allium cepa var. cepa L.).

M. DHOTRE Department of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, DHARWAD (KARNATAKA) INDIA ABSTRACT Genetic variability, character association and path coefficients were studied in red onion involving 14 genotypes. High heritability with moderate to high GCV and genetic advance were recorded for double/split bulb per cent, fresh bulb weight and bulb yield as well as storage losses due to rotting, sprouting and total loss denoting their possibility of improvement with simple selection. Number of rings per bulb, TSS and dry matter content exhibited high heritability coupled with high expected genetic advance. Bulb yield exhibited positive and significant association with fresh bulb weight, equatorial diameter, TSS and number of rings per bulb and neck thickness was significantly correlated with rotting and total storage loss. Fresh bulb weight, equatorial diameter and bulb shape index exerted positive and direct effect and polar diameter and double/ split bulb per cent showed negative direct effect on bulb yield. It was proposed to emphasize more on such characters to improve bulb yield.