Genetic variability studies in almond

摘要

In India almond cultivation is confined to the states of Jammu and Kashmir and some parts of Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, The dry areas of Kinnaur district in Himachal Pradesh are already known for the quality of almond production (Sandhuand Singh 1971). Production of this crop is also now gaining popularity in the low and mid-hill regions of the state, mainly for use as green almonds which are harvested when immature, i.e. 70 to 100 days after full bloom, depending upon the variety planted. The main reason for the harvesting of green almond in the low and mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh is the early onset of monsoon rains in this region which damage the fruit crop Variability studies are important in any crop because a wide range of variability always provides more possibility of selecting desired types (Vavilov 1951). According to Fisher (1918) the continuous variation exhibited by quantitative traits with which plant breeders deal includes heritable and non-heritable components. Selection is effective only for variations which are heritable in nature. The heritable component is the consequence of genotypes while the non-heritable part is mainly due to unknown environmental factors. The correct choice of parents, depending upon variabilityand proper selection for the desirable characters, is mainly responsible for the success of a breeding programme. The larger the variability in the material the greater will be the scope for improvement. As the direct assessment of genotypes is difficult the study of phenotypic variability for various traits is of great significance.