Variability Evaluation in Water Chestnut (Trapa Natans var. Bispinosa Roxb.) Accessions Pal S.L.1, Verma Neeraj Kumar2, Kumar Vijai3 1Deptt. of Horticulture, RSM (PG) College, Dhampur (Bijnor)-246 761 (UP.) 2Central Institute of Sub-tropical Horticulture, Lucknow (UP.) 3Deptt. of Horticulture, C.S.S.S. (P'G.) College, Machhra, Meerut (UP.), E-mail: slpalrsm@gmail.com. Abstract The present investigation was carried out during 2007–08 in the Department of Horticulture, R.S.M. (P.G.) College, Dhampur, Bijnor to exploit genetic variabilUy in water chestnut grown under Bijnor district. Observations showed great genetic variations regarding physical and chemical parameters of the fruits. Maximum fruit length was recorded in the cultivar Kadma-1 (4.83 cm) and minimum in the cultivar Ratni-4 (3.61 cm). The variability in the weight of fruits ranged from 17.52 g to 37.95 g. Water chestnut accessions collected from Sherkot ponds exhibited significant diversity among all accessions studied. Cultivars Lalla, Singree-2, Singree-3, Sakkar Chini-1 and Shakkar Chini-3 were better for advising commercial cultivation under Bijnor condition, because these accessions have maximum fruit weight, fruit volume, kernel: peel ratio, minimum peel weight, good colour, high T.S.S. and ascorbic content. Top Key words Water chestnut, genetic diversity, physico-chemical properties. Top |