Correlation and path coefficient analyses of quantitative traits in bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.] genotypes

Abstract

Knowledge of degree of association of yield with its components is of great importance to improve the selection efficiency during cultivar improvement. The present study signifies the correlation between ten quantitative traits in ninety one bottle gourd genotypes using correlation and path analysis. Results revealed that significant and positive correlation exists between the yield per plant with fruit diameter, average fruit weight and number of fruits per plant. Significant negative correlation exists between fruit yield per plant with days to opening of first female flower and days to first fruit harvest. The path coefficient analysis revealed that number fruits per plant had maximum positive direct effect with marketable fruit yield per plant, followed by fruit diameter. There is no significant negative direct effect found on fruit yield per plant through any quantitative trait. This study demonstrated that selection for increased number of fruit per plant, fruit diameter and average fruit weight may improve genetic gain in total fruit yield in bottle gourd breeding programme. On the basis of above information genotypes like IC 0322274, IC 319470, IC 0522861 and IC 0284892 may be further utilized in bottle gourd improvement programme.