Phenotypic Div Phenotypic Diversity among F ersity among Fennel (F ennel (Foeniculum V oeniculum Vulgare) Germplasm of Pakistan

Abstract

Fennel is facing continuous challenge with reference to biotic and abiotic stresses that can be solved with the knowledge of available germplasm of fennel in the country or worldwide. Selection of fennel genotype on the basis of research interest can never been accomplished without gene pool. The aim of the present study was to explore the phenotypic diversity among selective fennel accession and identify lines having high yielding potential. In the present study thirty fennel accessions were sown in PGRI, NARC. Irrigation practice was carried out during the growing period. Data was recorded during different growth stages and after harvesting. Nine morphological parameters under study include plant height, number of umbels/plant, umbel diameter, rays produced/umbel, fruits produced/umble, fruit color and fruit shape. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA, Tukey Honest Significance Test and Multivariate cluster Analysis using Minitab Software version 20.0. High diversity was observed among the quantitative traits of thirty accessions. Qualitative traits of accessions from similar region had considerable resemblance. Fennel germplasm collected from Punjab gives outstanding performance with reference to phenotypic traits. Accessions were identified as potential sources including: 21293 (maximum plant height, Punjab, Jhang, Chiniot), 21209 ( great height, Punjab, Faisalabad), 21737 (short height, Punjab, Layyah, Karore Chak-84) 21699 (maximum number of rays/umbel, Punjab, Pakpattan) and 21722 (maximum number of umbels , Punjab, Narowal, Talwandi Bhandran in short 21722 due to high yield was identified as potential sources to be included in future breeding programs for the improvement of fennel varieties.

Keywords

• phenotypic diversity
• quantitative traits
• germplasm.