Genetic variability, character association and path analysis for economic traits in Bishop's weed (Ammi visnaga (L.)) Lam

A good extent of variation was observed for all the traits among 41 accessions of Ammi visnaga. Morphological variability for stem colour and umbel mutant with centre red to pink was detected. Maximum GCV and high heritability and genetic advance as percentage of mean were observed for biological yield followed by harvest index, seed yield, which may provide good amount of advance expected from selection because these traits may be possibly governed due to additive gene effects. The genotypic correlation in general, was higher than phenotypic; positive significant correlation was observed between seed yield and number of primary branches, harvest index; biological yield and number of umbel, number of primary branches. A high direct positive effect on seed yield was of biological yield followed by harvest index and primary branches. Therefore, composite populations through poly-cross nursery of desired accessions and recurrent selection recommended for genetic improvement in Bishop's weed.