Genetic Variability in Tropical Cauliflower (Brassica Oleracea L. Var. Botrytis) under the Plains of Southern Kerala

Significant differences were observed among genotypes for all the characters studied in early Indian cauliflower suggesting sufficient variability for curd yield and quality characters. Among the varieties, NS 60N was superior for curd yield, depth, diameter and curd size index followed by G 45. Earliest among the varieties was Himshort followed by NS 60N while Himpriya-60 was superior of plant height, leaves per plant, gross plant weight, leaf length, leaf breadth and leaf size. Significant differences were observed among treatments for all quality characters except vitamin C. Phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were high for curd compactness and curd size index whereas, heritability along with genetic advance were high for gross plant weight. At genotypic level net curd weight showed high positive correlation with leaves per plant. Similar results were obtained in Path coefficient analysis also. The top ranking varieties based on selection index were NS 60N, G 45, White Snow, Himpriya 60 and Pusa Meghna.