Simple recurrent selection-mediated improvement in quantitative traits of white onion

Present investigation was conducted at the ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research (DOGR), Pune, Maharashtra, India to assess the impact of simple recurrent selection on quantitative traits in. Fifteen white onion germplasm accessions were subjected to repeated cycles of selection for yield traits and TSS followed by intermating of the selects. The resulting selects (26), the basal germplasm accessions (15) and commercial varieties (03) were evaluated during the winter season of 2021–22. The study indicated considerable variability in the test genotypes and significant influence of genetic factors determining these traits. The trait marketable bulb weight exhibited high variability as evidenced from wide range indicating scope for improvement through selection. High heritability was noted for important yield traits i.e. marketable bulb weight, marketable bulb yield, total bulb yield and TSS indicating their amenability to selection. The selects W 448 BR-10 and W 398 AD-6 were found best for important traits indicating effectiveness of selection. Selection resulted in notable improvement in TSS over basal germplasm and commercial varieties. However, marketable and total bulb yield in the selects recorded improvement over the basal germplasm only. Cluster analysis using the D² statistic indicated moderate variability existing in the test material. Clustering patterns indicated that several selects diverged from their corresponding basal germplasm. In contrast, a few selects were grouped together with their corresponding basal germplasm. The sister-selections clustered together can be considered as duplicates. The best distinct selects with respect to yield traits and TSS may be utilized in further improvement.