Studies on correlation and path-coefficient analysis for yield and its contributing characters in watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Mansf.]

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at College of Horticulture, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, during Rabi 2018 to assess the nature and magnitude of association among yield and its contributing traits in watermelon. Twenty three genotypes were evaluated with two replications in Randomized Block Design. The results revealed that number of branches per vine, average fruit weight, number of fruits per vine, rind thickness, flesh thickness, pulp to seed ratio, days to first male flowering and fruit diameter had significant and positive association with fruit yield per vine, whereas, sex ratio had significant negative association with fruit yield per vine. Since, these associations are in the desirable direction, selection for these traits will improve the yield per vine. Path coefficient studies revealed that number of fruits per vine, average fruit weight and pulp to seed ratio had high direct positive effect on fruit yield per vine indicating their true positive and significant association with yield.