Assessment of genetic diversity and stability performance of 38 genotypes of onion (Allium cepa L.)

The current study was conducted at four different locations in India in order to evaluate the genetic diversity and stability of 38 genotypes of onion (Allium cepa L.) under various climatic circumstances. The genetic diversity was evaluated through cluster analysis which divided thirty-eight genotypes into two major clusters (cluster I and cluster II) each of which had 20 and 18 genotypes. As per Additive Main-effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) model, five genotypes from cluster I, namely Accession (Acc.) 1217, 1209, Bhima Shweta, 1639, and 1640 were shown to have greater adaptation, with regressive values of 0.14, 0.74, 1.51, 2.11, and 2.17, respectively and marketable yields ranging from 176.23-227.31 q/ha. The mean performance of genotypes in individual clusters revealed that the cluster I and cluster II genotypes showed maximum marketable yield, total yield and average bulb weight. Based on the findings of the assessment study, these stable genotypes could be utilised as parent plants in future breeding programmes to develop high-yielding onion varieties that not only showcase stability but also possess widespread adaptability, thereby enhancing overall onion crop performance.