Characterization for Different Traits in Asiatic and European Type Carrot (Daucus carota var. sativa L.) Germplasm Lines

The present investigation was carried out to characterize the eighty one carrot genotypes through variability, heritability and genetic gain for different characters. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters. Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance were estimated for marketable and its component yield traits in 81 lines of carrot (Daucus carota var. sativa L.). The study showed high ranges for total yield (4.9-9.3 kg plot-1), marketable yield (4.6-9.2 kg plot-1), root length (13.8-30.8 cm) and root weight (101.4-127.2 g). Genotypes PC-161, PC-15, PC-173 (red), PCO-30, PCO-5, PCO-7 (Orange) PCP-2, PCP-1 and PCP-17B (Purple) were superior with respect to total and marketable yield per plot along with various horticultural traits. Magnitude of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters which indicated the role of environment on the character expression. Quantitative traits like Anthocyanin content (mg 100 g-1), Total sugar content (%), Carotene content (mg 100g-1) and Dry matter content (%) have higher values of GCV, heritability, genetic advance and genetic gain hence these were the most important traits for applying selection in carrot for crop improvement.