Correlation and path analysis in segregating population of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Abstract

The experiment was undertaken to study the correlation and path analysis in 300 F2 segregating population of the bi-parental cross Surya × Harita for 12 different quantitative characters. The correlation study indicated that the total yield per plant had a positive and significant association with plant height, number of primary branches, number of flowers per cluster, number of fruits per cluster, fruit diameter, fruit length, average fruit weight and number of fruits per plant. The genetic improvement of fruit yield can be obtained by selection of these yield components. Path analysis revealed that the characters number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, plant height, fruit length, fruit set percentage, fruit diameter, number of flowers per cluster, days to first picking had high positive direct effect on fruit yield per plant. Thus, the fruit yield per plant can be improved by making direct selection of these characters.