Genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient anlaysis in amaranthus

Abstract

Among the various unexploited vegetable crops Amaranthus is such a crop which is grown as leafy vegetable during summer and rainy season in India. It is hardy, fast growing and is rich in seed protein, carotene and ascorbic acid. Amaranthus seed is a rich source of essential amino acid lysine and produces high quality seed protein up to 160g per Kg seed being much higher than non-legume grain crops. In India, various domesticated forms of Amaranthus are grown in the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala. In the interior areas of North- West hills of India it occupies nearly 60 per cent nonirrigated land of higher hills. Amaranth leaves are a rich and inexpensive source of dietary fibre, protein, vitamins and a wide range of minerals. Amaranthus has been incorporated into a range of human food products that are primarily targeted at health conscious consumers. It serves as an alternative source of nutrition for vegetarian people in developing countries where the bulk of the population has little access to protein rich food