Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate genetic variability and nature and amount of genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient for thirteen characters among forty accessions of opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.).

Materials and Methods: Forty genotypes of opium poppies, including various breeding lines and landraces, were cultivated in 2021–2022 using randomized block designs (RBD) with three replications. Plants were planted in rows 4m long and 50 cm apart, and normal cultural procedures, irrigation, and fertilizer treatments (120 kg nitrogen, 80 kg phosphorus, and 60 kg potassium per hectare). For each of the thirteen features listed below, morpho-matric data was collected from five randomly chosen plants in every line of plants as well as Days to 50% flowering, plant height (cm), number of capsule/plant, Peduncle length (cm), Capsule index, Seed yield/plant (gm), Straw yield/plant (gm), Days to maturity, Morphine (%), Codeine (%), Thebaine (%), Papaverine (%), Narcotine (%) obtain from each selected plants.

Results: Correlation coefficient, highly high-significantly positive associated capsule index correlated with seed yield (0.678, 0.688), days to maturity correlated with Papaverine (0.641, 0.639), Thebaine correlated with Papaverine (0.588, 0.587), Morphine correlated with Codeine (0.542, 0.541) at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. The Peduncle length correlated with Capsule index (0.423, 0.279) showing that the only at genotypic level. Days to Maturity was significantly associated with Morphine (0.347, 0.346), Straw yield associated and Days to Maturity associated with Thebaine (0.312, 0.308) (0.308, 0.307) at both level genotypic and phenotypic. On the other hand, the Maximum direct positive effect on capsule index, Thebaine content, Morphine content, plant height and Codeine content.

Conclusion: It was concluded that variation in significant economic variables might assist in the selection of opium poppy genotypes for additional genetic improvement.

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