Correlation and path analysis study in diverse onion (Allium cepa L.) genotypes

Abstract

The association study resulted that the advantages of upgrading onion\rgenotypes through simultaneous selection for equatorial diameter, followed by polar diameter,\rnumber of leaves plant-1 at 90 DAT, neck thickness, plant height at 90 DAT and TSS. Path coefficient\ranalysis revealed that polar diameter had highest positive direct effect followed by\rplant height at 60 DAT, TSS, plant height at 90 DAT, number of leaves plant-1 at 90 DAT and\rpolar: equatorial diameter were the most important traits contributing towards bulb yield plant-\r1. Direct selection of equatorial diameter, neck thickness, days to maturity, number of leaves\rplant-1 at 30 and 60 DAT and plant height at 30 DAT should be avoided instead of indirect\rselection. The highest production was observed in genotype OSR-1344 and Agrifound Light\rRed. Low incidence percentage of Stemphylium blight was found in genotype ON14-06 incidence\rpercentage of thrips was found in genotype ON14-15. Considerable variability was observed\ramong the genotypes for foliage character, bulb shape, bulb colour and bolting tendency.\rFoliage colour in green onion and shape and colour of onion bulb are most important\rcharacteristics to help customers in choosing cultivars in the market.