Studies on Variability, Correlation and Path Analysis of Traits Contributing to Fruit Yield in Grapes

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted to estimate genetic parameters such as genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), heritability and genetic advance (GA) along with correlations and path coefficients from the data collected on 20 grape cultivars during 2000–09. The high estimates of GCV and PCV recorded for bunch weight, berry weight, bunch number and fruit yield per vine indicated the presence of adequate genetic variation among the genotypes and suitability of these traits for further improvement by selection. High heritability estimates coupled with high genetic advances for these traits confirmed that these traits are under the control of additive gene action and phenotypic selection for their improvement will be effective. Fruit yield per vine showed significant positive association with bunch length, bunch width, bunch weight and bunch number while significant negative association of berry length, berry diameter and berry weight with acidity percentage indicated that improvement of these traits through selection will also improve quality of table grapes by reducing acidity. Number of bunches per vine had maximum direct effect on fruit yield per vine followed by bunch weight. Bunch length as well as bunch width contributed to fruit yield per vine indirectly via bunch weight. Hence, the number of bunches per vine and bunch weight are identified as key traits for developing high fruit-yielding cultivars of grapes.