Correlation and path coefficient analysis for quality traits in tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.)

Abstract

Correlation and path analysis were carried out in fiftyfive tomato genotypes for quality characters. The association studies showed that ascorbic acid content was positively correlated with days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, number of cluster per plant, number of flowers per cluster, number of fruits per cluster, number of fruits per plant, length of fruits, pericarp thickness of fruit, number of locules per fruit and TSS of fruit. However, ascorbic acid content per fruit was negatively correlated with diameter of fruits, plant height, total number of branches, average fruit weight, yield per plant and acidity content. Path analysis studies done to study the cause and effect relationship revealed that number of fruits per plant, number of locules per fruit and number of flowers per cluster had high positive direct effects on ascorbic acid content per fruit. Hence, direct selection for these traits is done for improving ascorbic acid content of fruit.