Path coefficient analysis for yield and yield attributing traits in ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula (L.) roxb.)

Abstract

In the present investigation, 14 genotypes will be grown in the during rainy season 2016-2017 at the field experimentation centre of the Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences (Formerly Allahabad Agricultural Institute), Allahabad (U.P.). The correlation would only indicate the overall relationship of independent trait with dependent trait but does not provide cause and effect of relationship. Using path analysis, it is possible to resolve the correlations, which provide clue about such relationship. In ridge gourd 16 important growth, earliness, yield and quality parameters were subjected to Genotypic and Phenotypic path coefficient analysis. Fruit yield per plot had high positive direct effect on yield. Positive indirect effect was observed through node to first male flowering, days to last harvest, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, fruit length and fruit diameter. Negative indirect effect were observed through vine length 90 days after sowing, days to first female flowering, days to first male flowering, node to first female flowering, days to 50 per cent flowering, days to first harvest, and sex ratio.