Correlation and path analysis of advanced mutant lines of snake gourd (Trichosanthes anguina L.) for yield and associated traits

Abstract

The present investigation was comprised of fifteen advanced mutant lines and a control, were evaluated for correlation and direct and indirect effects of different characters on fruit yield. The analysis reveals that fruit yield per plant was significantly and positively correlated with length of main stem, number of primary branches, days to 50% flowering, number of fruiting nodes on main stem, length of fruit, girth of fruit, average fruit weight and ascorbic acid at both genotypic and phenotypic level. Average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, days to 50% flowering, total soluble solids, length of fruit and number of fruiting nodes on main stem showed direct effect on fruit yield per plant. Hence, more emphasis should be given on these component traits that can be further considered as selection index in snake gourd.