Genetic and Multivariate Analysis of Horticultural Traits in Kharif Onion ( <i>Allium cepa</i> L.) Under Hot‐Arid Conditions of Bundelkhand: Implications for Breeding

Delineating true genetic variability based on horticultural traits in onion is of utmost importance for enhancing its breeding programmes. Hence, the present investigation was carried out in the Kharif seasons of 2020, 2021, and 2022, to evaluate the performance of eighteen genotypes. The study was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The genotypes, L‐883 and Bhima Dark Red exhibited high survival rate (0.97% and 0.96%), better bulb size (5.81 and 5.66 cm), low percentage of doubles (0.89% and 1.25%), and bolters (0.82% and 1.01%), that make them ideal candidates for commercial cultivation. The check cultivar L‐883 along with studied genotypes, ADR, Bhima Super, and Bhima Shweta were found promising for higher yield. The high estimates of heritability accompanied with genetic advance revealed the preponderance of additive gene action for major traits. The correlation analysis depicted significant positive association among bulb yield and related traits, for instance between marketable bulb yield and weight of 20 bulbs (0.776***). The multivariate analysis grouped the genotypes into four major clusters. Canonical variate analysis also depicted wide dispersion of genotypes, and revealed that the genotypes L‐883, N‐53, and N‐2‐4‐1 harbour unique trait combinations.