Variability and heritability of some onion (Allium cepa L.) characteristics of parental forms, F1 hybrids and F2 generation

Abstract

The object of the studies in 1977 was a population of 15 F₁ hybrids, 11 F₂ progenies and 16 parental forms (8 male-sterile A lines and 8 inbred C lines - Table 2). Variability and heritability of some onion characteristic weight, height diameter of the bulbs and their shape, collar thickness, adherence and color of dry outer skin, bulb firmness, shape of the collar and position of root disc) were studied. Variability and heritability estimates of bulb weight, diameter and shape of the collar were relatively high (30-70%).Variability of the skin thickness was also high, but heritability of this trait was low. The lowest variability and heritability were shown for bulb firmness. The high heritability of some traits indicates the possibility of increasing the effects of selection and improvement, especially of the weight and shape of bulbs.