Correlation and path analysis in sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica L. Roem.)

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out at Horticultural Research cum Instructional Farm, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.). The experiment conducted on 15 genotypes of sponge gourd was subjected to evaluate parameters of variability, correlation and path analysis for fruit yield and its attributing traits. Significant variation were observed for all the character in all the genotypes used in the experiment. Highest genotypic and phenotypic variation were observed for fruit yield q/ha followed by fruit length, fruit yield per plot, vine length, number of fruit per plant and average fruit weight. The fruit yield q/ha followed by fruit yield per plot, number of fruit per plant, average fruit weight, days to 1st fruit harvest, fruit girth and fruit length showed high heritability coupled with high genetic advance. Correlation revealed that fruit yield per plot was found to be positively and significant correlated with number of fruit per plant, duration of crop, fruit length and node number of male flower. Path coefficient analysis revealed that number of fruit per plant, fruit girth, days to female flower, duration of crop, number of branches per plant, 50% flowering, node number in male and female flower showed positive direct effects on fruit yield per plot. Hence, selection for these traits for improving fruit yield per plot in sponge gourd is suggested.