Correlation and path analysis in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) genotypes

Abstract

In order to evaluate the association among yield components and their direct and indirect influence on grain yield of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), an experiment was carried out in a complete randomized block design with three replications using 11 genotypes at ARS Annigeri during 2012-13. The phenotypic correlation among the traits and their path coefficients were estimated. Positive and significant correlations were observed between grain yield and number of capitula per plant and 100 seed weight. Plant height, number of seeds per capitulum and oil content exhibited significant negative correlation with seed yield. Positive direct effects were exhibited for number of capitula per plant and 100 seed weight. Negative direct effects were observed for plant height, number of seeds per capitulum and oil content. Therefore, improvement of the seed yield will be efficient via selection for number of capitula per plant and 100 seed weight.