Journal of Environmental Biology

Genotypic variability and trait associations in Indian jujube under semiarid conditions

M. Kumar¹, A. Bishnoi¹*, S. Bishnoi², Ramsawroop³ and P. Saini⁴    

¹Department of Horticulture, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Bawal-123 501, India

²Department of Maths and Statistics, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Cotton Research Station, Sirsa-125 055, India

³Department of Animal Nutrition,CCS Haryana Agricultural University, College of Agriculture, Bawal-123 501, India

⁴Department of Horticulture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Buria-135 101, India

Received: 19 August 2025                   Revised: 16 December 2025                   Accepted: 28 February 2026

*Corresponding Author Email : anuradhabishnoi@hau.ac.in                           *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0736-5470

Abstract

Aim: To characterize and quantify genetic variability of ber genotype via Principal Component Analysis and Correlation Analysis for crop improvement, which will be of immense important in formulating an effective breeding strategy for the genetic improvement of this crop.

Methodology: The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with three replications. In the present study, nine ber genotypes were selected for evaluation during 2018--2023 (five years). The quantitative data on yield attributes and quality traits were recorded and subjected to PCA, and correlations among traits were subjected to analysis via R-Studio software.

Results: The findings of this comprehensive evaluation of Indian jujube genotypes are expected to have a significant impact on the identification of high-performing genotypes, such as ‘Kaithali’ for vegetative growth and fruit quality and ‘Umran’ for both yield and leaf protein content. This study supports the development of dual-purpose cultivars that can increase both fruit production and fodder availability.

Interpretation: A key novel finding is the identification of ‘Umran’ as a high-yielding genotype with superior leaf nutritive value, suggesting its suitability for horti-pastoral systems. The significant genotypic variability observed in terms of growth vigor, fruit morphometrics, and pulp characteristics provides a valuable genetic basis for selection and varietal improvement.

Key words: Genetic variability ber, Indian jujube, Principal Component Analysis

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