Variability and Correlation Studies for Vegetative, Floral, Nut and Yield Characters in Indigenous and Exotic Coconut Genotypes

Abstract

Genetic variability and correlation analysis of vegetative, floral, nut and yield characters were studied with 11 tall and 3 dwarfs which include 6 indigenous and 8 exotic coconut genotypes from diverse geographic origin. Analysis revealed a high degree of variability for most of the character studied. The variability studies among fourteen genotypes for different traits revealed that number of nuts per palm, dehusked nut weight, whole nut weight, plant height, stem girth, petiole length, shell thickness, number of female flowers and number of nuts per bunch recorded high values for phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation. Heritability estimates for all the characters studied were grouped as high. Genetic advance expressed on per cent mean was high for whole nut weight, dehusked nut weight, petiole length, number of nuts per bunch, number of female flowers per palm, number of nuts per palm. Correlation studies with nut yield per palm showed a positive and significant association with number of female flowers /palm/year, number of nuts/bunch, whole nut weight, husk thickness, kernel thickness, shell thickness, husk weight, copra content. Oil content exhibited positive and significant association with kernel weight and copra weight. This genetic analysis indicates the use of these characters in selection for coconut improvement. Thus, these characters are to be given importance for nut yield improvement in coconut.