Correlation and path coefficient analysis in the F2 populations in coconut

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to study the correlation among vegetative, reproductive and fruit component characters in the F 2 populations of Dwarf x Tall (Chowghat Orange Dwarf X West Coast Tall) coconut hybrids. The traits viz., number of leaves on the crown, total leaves produced, number of spikelets, number of female flowers per inflorescence, total number of inflorescences produced, number of fertile inflorescences produced and per cent nut set after 90 days of pollination exhibited significant positive correlation with nut yield and could be considered as major contributing characters. The characters viz., length of ten leaf scars on the stem and petiole length showed significant negative correlation with nut yield. Path analysis indicated the high direct positive effects on nut yield by number of fertile inflorescences produced, setting percentage after 90 days and moderate positive direct effect of number of female flowers per inflorescence. Length of ten leaf scars, petiole length and spikelet number showed a low negative direct effect on nut yield. Nut yield was moderately affected indirectly by number of fertile inflorescences; produced and leaves on the crown, total leaves produced and number of female flowers per inflorescence.