Genetic Variability and Association Analysis of Oat (Avena sativa L.) Genotypes for Green Forage Yield and Other Components

Fourteen genotypes of fodder oat (Avena sativa L.) were evaluated to assess the genetic variability and association analysis during Rabi 2018-19. The character dry matter yield (q/ha/day) had the highest heritability. GCV and PCV estimate was recorded for the days to 50% flowering. Highest genetic advance was observed for green forage yield (q/ha) were as high as percentage of mean was observed for dry matter yield (q/ha/day). In the present experiment, it is evident for the result that day to 50% flowering has a highly significant negative correlation with green forage yield. The highest positive direct effect contributing to green forage yield (q/ha) was due to low crude protein (q/ha). However indirect effect on improvement in green fodder yield was exerted by most of the traits studied. A direct selection for all these traits will help in the improvement of green fodder yield. Green fodder yield was positively correlated with most of the traits studied except days to 50% flowering and plant height (cm). The study provided the opportunity to identify suitable genotypes to be used in a future breeding programme.