Genetic Variability and Performance Assessment of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Genotypes for Yield and Quality Traits

DOI: 10.22161/ijeab.114.37

Abstract:
This study assessed genetic variability and performance of 50 onion (Allium cepa L.) genotypes for 18 quantitative traits during the rabi seasons of 2023-24 and 2024-25 at Dharwad, Karnataka, India. Significant genotypic variability was observed across traits, with high-performing genotypes like NHRDF Red-2 (50.6 t/ha), NHRDF Red-4 (48.5 t/ha) and Balichakra-R (47.2 t/ha) for bulb yield. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation (GCV and PCV) were recorded for bulb neck thickness (15.28%, 19.38%), bulb yield per plot (10.86%, 11.50%) leaf area (9.92%, 10.95%). Broad-sense heritability (h²_bs > 80%) with high genetic advance as percent of mean (GAM > 18%) was observed for bulb yield per plot (89%, 21.12%), leaf area (82%, 18.49%), leaf area index (LAI) (82%, 18.47%) and number of rings per bulb (88%, 19.86%), indicating additive gene action and selection potential. Low heritability for days to maturity (31%, 2.12%) and total soluble solids (TSS) (16%, 3.15%) suggested environmental influence. Negative heritability for number of leaves per plant (-10%, -2.53%) and premature bolting (-11%, -2.40%) indicated data anomalies or environmental dominance. These findings highlight genotypes and traits suitable for breeding high-yielding, adaptable onion varieties.

Keywords:
Onion, Genetic variability, Heritability, Yield traits, Performance evaluation

Article Info:
Received: 20 Jul 2026; Received in revised form: 17 Aug 2026; Accepted: 23 Aug 2026; Available online: 27 Aug 2026

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