Abstract

In thirty genotypes of niger, a substantial genetic variability was observed for seven characters. Heritability estimates was low for primary branches/plant and high for remaining all characters. High heritability along with high genetic advance was observed for capsules/plant and plant height indicating predominance of additive genetic action. The significant positive correlation of seed yield with days to maturity, seeds/capsule was observed. Genoypic correlations were observed larger in magnitude than their respective phenotypic correlations, indicating that selection for correlated characters could give better yield response to selection. A phenotypic as well as genotypic correlations among days to maturity, plant height, seeds/capsule and 1000 seed weight and their positive association with seed yield was observed indicating that these are the major yield components in niger. Days to maturity, seeds/capsules and 1000 seed weight had large and positive direct effect on seed yield.

Keywords: Niger, Variability, Interrelationship