Variation, correlation, regression and path analyses in Eruca sativa Mill.

Abstract

In the present study variation, correlation, regression and path coefficients in Eruca sativa Mill. were analyzed. Great variations were observed with agronomic and oil quality traits in Eruca. Partial correlation, stepwise regression and path analyses indicated that the contributions of siliqua number per plant (X7), seeds per siliqua (X8), 1000-seed weight (X9) and siliqua number of main raceme (X6) to seed yield per plant (Y) were highly significant and positive (P<0.01), and those of number of secondary branches (X4) and plant height (X1) were also significant and positive (P<0.05), while that of branching height (X2) was significant and negative (P<0.05). The regression formula of these agronomic traits to seed yield per plant is Y= -2.134 + 0.010X1- 0.011X2 + 0.049X4 + 0.028X6 + 0.019X7 + 0.056X8 + 0.465X9. Based on the analyses we suggest that future Eruca improvement should focus first on siliqua number per plant, then seeds per siliqua, 1000-seed weight, siliqua number of main raceme, number of secondary branches and plant height, but the negative correlations between 1000-seed weight and seeds per siliqua, 1000-seed weight and siliqua number per plant, siliqua number of main raceme and number of secondary branches should also be considered. The Eruca materials with higher plant, lower branching height, larger and yellow seeds found in this study will be valuable for future Eruca improvement. Key words: Eruca sativa, variation, simple and partial correlation, stepwise regression, path analysis.