Genetic variability and associations in the accessions of Manduk parni {Centella asiatica (L)}

The present study was conducted to estimate the nature and amount of genetic variation in genotypes in order to understand genetic, phenotypic and environmental associations and character contribution. Genetic variability, co-heritability and path coefficients were studied in the six economic traits of eight genotypes of mandukparni (Centella asiatica (L). Genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variations was largest for dry herb yield and asiaticoside content followed by madecassoside content, madecassic acid and fresh herb yield. Path coefficient under study revealed that the highest direct contribution to dry herb yield was made by fresh herb yield (0.687) and madecassic acid (0.545) followed by madecassoside content (0.155) in per cent. All traits expressed high heritability (h(2) es) 88.89-99.40% except madecassoside content low heritability (39.92%). Genetic advance was high for the three traits namely, fresh, dry weight and asiaticoside content. Fresh and dry herb yield was highly significant and positively correlated with each other at both genetic and phenotypic levels. Amongs the accessions CIM Medha followed by RK-2 and CA-7 and CA-4 was found suitable for cultivation on the commercial scale. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.