Abstract

                                Genetic variability and heritability studies involving 53 genotypes of napier grass germplasm indicated that there were highly significant differences between the genotypes for green fodder yield and eight other characters. The genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation did not differ widely indicating the lesser influence of environment on the characters, High genotypic co-efficient of variation was observed for panicle length, number of tillers per plant, leaf width, stem thickness and leaf length. Heritability estimates in general were high for most of the characters studied. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for panicle length, number of tillers per plant and leaf width. Hence these three characters need be given more importance in selection as these are expected to be controlled by additive genes.

Key words : Napier grass, Variability, Genetic Advance