Trait Association and Path Analysis of Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] Genotypes under Acid Soil Stress

Abstract

Correlation and path analysis is the most important analysis that provides a better understanding of the magnitude, direction and actual contribution of traits on yield that are very useful in the selection of genotypes from the different genetic populations. Thus, the current study consists of forty-nine tef genotypes were evaluated under with and without lime treated soils in the lat house of Assosa Agricultural Research Centre during 2017 to study the association between yield and yield component; and identify the most influential traits under both soil conditions. At both phenotypic and genotypic levels grain yield was significantly (p < 0.01) and positively correlated with harvest index (r>0.90), yield of primary panicle (r>0.50), panicle weight (r>0.40) and negatively correlated with days to maturity (r<-0.50) under both soil environments and with days to heading (r<-0.30) only under acid soil. This indicates the improvement of these traits would contribute to the higher grain yield of tef. Path coefficient analysis revealed shoot biomass yield and harvest index were the most influential traits that determined grain yield under both soil environments. Therefore, the focus should be given for these traits during the selection of high yielding genotypes of tef. Keywords: correlation, direct effect, grain yield, indirect effect DOI: 10.7176/ALST/86-03 Publication date: March 31 st 2021