Variability, heritability and genetic advance in lettuce

Abstract

Genetic variability for different yield contributing characters and important quality characters were studied in 25 genotypes of lettuce during winter, 2006 and summer, 2007. The study indicated existence of considerable amount of genetic variability for all the characters studied except days to first picking and duration of picking. Number of leaves per plant, leaf area, average leaf weight and potassium in both the season exhibited moderate phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation. High estimates of heritability (bs) and genetic advance was observed for carotenoids, calcium, vitamin C, leaf yield per plant and number of leaves per plant. High to moderate estimates of heritability (bs), genotypic coefficient of variation and genetic advance was observed for carotenoids, leaf yield per plant, leaf area and vitamin C. These characters are therefore worth consideration in the improvement of this crop.