Stability Analysis and Genetic Variability in Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.)

Aims: To estimate the genetic variability and to identify the stable buckwheat genotype for growth and yield parameters.

Study Design: Eberhart and Russell model.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Horticulture, Bagalkot, Karnataka during Jan-April 2021-2022.

Methodology: Fifteen genotypes of buckwheat were assessed for stability parameters for 15 characters across three environments i.e, full dose of recommended fertilizer (RDF), 3/4th dose of RDF and 1/2nd dose of RDF. The pooled data of these environments were used for estimation of genetic variability.

Results: The heritability estimates were moderate to high for all the characters. The genetic advance over mean was found highest for number of clusters per cyme (35.05%), seed yield per plot (32.68%) and seed yield per hectare (32.72%). The genotype EC-104035 was found stable for seed yield per plant, per plot and hectare, EC-386667, EC-3222, Nilgiri local, PRB-1 and Sangla B-460 for thousand seed weight, IC-313134 and EC-3222 for plant height at 45 days after sowing and at harvest, Shimla B-1 for plant height at 15 days after sowing, IC-49671, IC-274429 and Sangla B-460 for number of branches at 30 DAS, PRB-1 for days to first flowering and Nilgiri local for days to 50 percent flowering.

Conclusion: The genotypes stable for more traits with high genetic variability, will be considered for future breeding program.