Genetic variability and character association studies in Indigenous germplasm of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) in Bastar Plateau of Chhattisgarh

Genetic Variability and Correlation in Cashew

Abstract

The study evaluated 24 indigenous cashew genotypes along with the check variety Vengurla-4 in the Bastar Plateau region of Chhattisgarh, India, to assess genetic variability, heritability, and trait associations for yield and quality improvement. Significant genotypic differences were observed for vegetative, reproductive and nut quality traits over two consecutive years (2023–24 and 2024–25). Moderate genotypic coefficient of variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation were recorded for nut weight (20.84%, 20.98%), apple weight (25.71%, 26.35%) and nut yield tree-1 (20.01%, 20.61%), indicating substantial genetic variability. Broad-sense heritability was highest for nut weight (98.60%), apple weight (95.20%) and shelling percentage (98.00%), suggesting strong additive gene effects. A significant genetic advance as percentage of the mean was noted for apple weight (51.66%), nut weight (42.62%) and nut yield (40.03%). Nut yield tree-1 showed a strong positive correlation with number of nuts panicle-1 (r = 0.925) and fruit set (r = 0.789), while nut weight was positively associated with apple weight (r = 0.709). The study identified key traits like nut weight, kernel weight, shelling percentage and canopy size as ideal for direct selection to improve nut yield and nut quality. Indigenous genotypes having potential traits with high heritability and genetic advance can serve as potential donors for breeding plan targeting, high nut yield, bold nut and high-density planting for sustainable cashew cultivation in plateau regions.