Genetic Variability Studies and Character Association for Yield and Quality Traits in Curry leaf (Murraya koengii (L.) Spreng.)

Abstract:

The genetic variability studies in twenty curry leaf genotypes were carried out in the present investigation. The results revealed that there were prominent variations among the genotypes in growth yield and quality traits. The genotypes showed considerable difference among the morphological characters such as petiole colour, leaflet number and leaflet shape. The genotype MK 02 recorded highest plant height (157.00 cm), stem girth (6.67 cm), number of primary branches (3.67) , number of secondary branches (9.33), leaf area (68.13 cm2) and yield per plant (706.10 g). The chlorophyll-a (0.29 mgg-1), chlorophyll-b (0.05 mgg-1) and total chlorophyll content (0.43 mgg-1) were higher in genotypes MK 03. The shelf life under ambient condition (2.20 days), refrigerated condition (4.00 days) and essential oil content (0.83 %) was highest in MK 02. The yield and quality traits of curry leaf genotypes groups the curry leaf genotypes under two major clusters and four subclusters. The highest plant height was recorded in cluster 1a and lowest in cluster 1 b. Similar, trend was recorded in leaf number, leaf area, fresh leaf weight, dry leaf weight, yield and shelf life. The number of branches and chlorophyll-b content was highest in cluster 2b and cluster 1b. The chlorophyll-a and total chlorophyll was highest in and lowest in cluster 2a and cluster 2b. The essential oil content was highest in cluster 1a and lowest in cluster 2b. The correlation between the yield and quality traits showed positive correlation among themselves except for leaflet number. The shelf life of the curry leaf genotypes showed positive correlation with the growth and yield traits. Principal component analysis showed that the first component has positive association with most of the yield and quality traits. Grouping of the curry leaf genotypes and the presence of variation among them has indicated the strong scope of breeding program in curry leaf.