Correlation and Path Analysis of Kernel Yield and its Components in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

Character association and path analysis were carried out for kernel yield and its component characters in six parents and their 15 F1 crosses in groundnut. The genotypic correlation coefficients were observed to be relatively of higher magnitude than the corresponding genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficients indicating strong inherent association between the characters. Kernel yield per plant possessed significant positive association with pod yield per plant, mature pods per plant, 100-kernel weight, pods per plant, pegs per plant, harvest index and shelling percentage at both the genotypic and phenotypic levels. Path analysis also revealed the importance of these traits as they had direct effects on kernel yield. Therefore, selection based on these characters will lead to simultaneous improvement in kernel yield in groundnut.