Genetic diversity, heritability, genetic advance and correlation coefficient in cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) under temperate environment

Genetic variability, heritability and correlation coefficient were studied in 20 genotypes of cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.). Wide range of variability was observed in a number of fruits/plant (26–73), fruit weight (6.5119.1g), fruit length (20.42–29.82 mm), fruit diameter (23.06–34.22 mm), per cent juice content (56.2–63.17), fruit yield (199.67–1145.03 g/plant/if), total soluble solids (6.92–9.71° B), acidity content (0.28–0.67%), and ascorbic acid content (19.54–24.36 mg/100 g edible part). Heritability was recorded in the range of 71.1% (TSS content) to 99.7% (fruit weight). Genetic advance range was recorded between 0.56 (fruit yield per plant) and 454.2 (fruit weight). Genotypic coefficient of variation ranged from 2.99 (TSS content) to 38.27 (weight of fruit) while phenotypic coefficient of variation ranged from 3.54 (TSS content) to 38.28 (weight of fruit). Significant and positive genotypic and phenotypic correlation co-efficient were observed in a number of fruits/plant and fruit yield/plant. Fruit weight showed high genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation with fruit length, diameter and yield/plant. However non-significant negative correlation coefficient were observed in a number of fruits/plant with fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, and juice percentage. For selecting promising and high-yielding genotypes of cape gooseberry emphasis should be given on fruit length, fruit diameter and fruit weight.