Genetic Variability and Association Among Bulb Yield and Yield Related Traits of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Genotypes at Bishoftu Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia

Abstract

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is the second most important Allium species next to onion (Allium cepa L. in the world and from Africa, Ethiopia is ranked second most garlic produce next to Egypt. It is one of the most important vegetable crops in Ethiopia and is used as a component of food, cash and has also a tremendous use in the formulation of local medicines. Among abiotic factors affecting garlic production and productivity using garlic genotype which is susceptible for different biotic and abiotic agents contributed huge yield loss in agriculture center. Therefore, this field experiment was conducted to assess the genetic variability in garlic genotypes, to determine association among traits and estimate the direct and indirect effects of traits on bulb yield. The field evaluation of 34 genotypes and 2 released varieties (G-HL and Chefe) was conducted in 6x6 Triple Lattice Design at Bishoftu Agricultural Research Center during January 2020 to May 2020. Results of analysis of variance revealed the presence of significant differences among genotypes for 18 traits. The variation observed among genotypes for bulb yield ranged from 43.80 to 147.20 kg ha-1. The six genotypes had mean performances higher than the highest performing check variety (G-HL=99.5Kg ha-1). Generally, the results of this study showed the presence of variations among genotypes for agro-morphology traits with a wide range of genetic distances that could allow selection and/or hybridization of genotypes after the results of this study are confirmed across locations and over the years.