Character association and path coefficient analysis in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

In groundnut, correlation and path coefficient analysis was carried out to identify the suitable selection indices in F3 generation of four crosses viz., CO 7 × VRI Gn 6, TMV 2 × VRI Gn 6, TMV Gn 13 × VRI Gn 6 and VRI 2 × VRI Gn 6. Correlation analysis revealed that the traits viz., number of pods per plant, 100-pod weight (g), 100-kernel weight (g), shelling (%) and pod yield per plant (g) were positively associated with kernel yield per plant (g). Inter-correlation among these traits also recorded significantly positive association inmost ofthe crosses studied. Hence these characters may be considered as the important yield attributing characters and due importance should be given while breeding for high pod and kernel yield per plant (g) in groundnut. The association between sound mature kernel per cent, late leaf spot and rust scores with other yield component traits varies with the populations. Hence, these characters may also be considered as selection indices with caution. Moreover in path analysis, the trait pod yield per plant (g) exhibited high positive direct effect on kernel yield per plant (g). It also possessed significant and positive association with kernel yield per plant (g). Hence, pod yield per plant (g) plays a major role in determining the kernel yield per plant (g). The traits viz., number of pods per plant, 100-pod weight (g), 100-kernel weight (g) and shelling (%) recorded moderate to high indirect effect through pod yield per plant (g) on kernel yield per plant (g). Hence due emphasis should be placed on these traits for yield improvement in groundnut.