Evaluating genetic variability and trait interrelationships through correlation and path coefficient analysis in garden stock (Matthiola incana) genotypes

The present study was carried out during 2022–23 and 2023–24 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to analyse their genetic variability, correlations and trait associations influencing inflorescence production in garden stock (Matthiola incana L.). Thirty-six genotypes of garden stock were assessed, for 13 vegetative and floral traits. Analysis of variance indicated the significant differences amid genotypes for all the considered characters. The wide variation recorded for plant spread (542.99–2070.30 cm2) followed by the leaf area/plant (404.75–1625.90 cm2), inflorescence length (18.04–38.85 cm) and inflorescence count/plant (1.00–18.58). Higher genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation were documented for inflorescence count/plant, leaf area/plant, distance between two florets, inflorescence length, plant height, leaf count/plant, plant-spread, days for first floral bud initiation and first flowering indicating substantial genetic variability for breeding. All the traits exhibited higher heritability (62.02–90.80%), with inflorescence count/plant (90.80%). Most of the observed characters had shown higher heritability united with a high genetic advance as a percent mean, showing strong additive gene action with favourable response to selection. Inflorescence count/plant unveiled positive and highly significant correlation with leaf count/plant, plant spread and leaf area plant. Cause and effect analysis using correlation coefficients revealed the inflorescence count/plant had a positive and very high effect with leaf count/plant (0.738), leaf area/plant (0.448), plant spread (0.362), stem girth (0.281) and days to first bud flowering (0.274). These traits, can be preferred as key indicators for selection criteria along with other agronomically important traits in stock breeding programme for greater inflorescences per plant and other ornamental potential.