Genetic variance and expected selection response in fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller)

Abstract

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller) is an important allogamous spice crop, grown in many parts of the world, which received little attentions from the breeders. Hence, most of the varieties grown are basically land races. The genetics of most of the traits in fennel is not yet known. A few varieties have been developed through mass selection. North Carolina mating Design offer an opportunity to estimate the quantitative genetic parameters of a character from such populations. Selection within a population is effective if gene action is additive, while preponderance of dominance suggests the development of a hybrid. Thus, comparison of the estimates of genetic variation provides a measure for a breeding strategy to be adopted in the fennel improvement programme.