Studies on genetic variability and correlation for yield and quality traits in arvi [Colocasia esculenta (L.) schott]

Sufficient genetic variability for all the 14 characters in 24 clones of arvi collected from different parts of North India was observed. Genotypes PA-7, PA-5, PA-4, PA-11 and PA-15 were comparatively higher yielding. The maximum corm weight, corm length, corm girth and starch were observed in PA-20 while PA-21, recorded the highest dry matter and lowest oxalate content. Estimates of phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were high for number of leaves per plant, oxalate content, number of corms and cormels per plant, total yield per plant and corm weight. High heritability coupled with higher genetic advance for all the above characters indicated high proportion of inherited variation, additive gene effects and greater scope of improvement through selection. Total yield per plant was positively and significantly correlated with number of corms and cormels per plant, oxalate and protein content, and corm length. Path analysis revealed that number of cormels per plant, protein content, corm weight and length had direct and positive effects while number of corms per plant and oxalate content had indirect and positive effects on total yield per plant.