Character association and path coefficient analysis studies on yield and yield attributing characters in Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)

Abstract

The Correlation and path analysis was studied for fresh rhizome yield per hectare and its component characters in 12 diverse genotypes of turmeric during Kharif season of 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 at Horticultural research Station, Chintapalli. The data recorded on different characters were subjected to work out correlation and path analysis to investigate the association, direct and indirect contribution of various characters on fresh rhizome yield per hectare. The resulted indicated that the strong positive genotypic correlation of plant height and yield per plant with yield per hectare. The dry recovery had a significant positive correlation with plant height, leaf length and leaf area while the significant negative correlation with the number of tillers per plant. The path analysis study revealed that the yield per plant the most important yield per hectare determinant followed by leaf length and leaf area is the another most important yield determinant thus, these characters should be given importance in selection programmes for yield improvement in turmeric.