Correlation and path coefficient analysis for agronomical traits in forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

Forage sorghum germplasm field experiment was conducted at Sorghum Research Station, Deesa (Gujarat) during kharif 2008 by using 144 genotypes to study the variability parameters and genotypic and phenotypic correlations and path analysis among agronomic traits. Significant variation among all the genotypes was recorded for all the characters. Most of the characters had higher genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation which is indicative that character expression in this sorghum population was genetic and can be exploited in breeding programs. The genotypes also exhibited varying degrees of heritability and genetic advance. Characters such as plant height, stem girth and dry and green fodder yield responded positively to selection because of high broad sense heritability and high genetic advance. Plant height, stem girth and leaf length were positively and significantly associated with green fodder and dry fodder yield per plant. Leaf breath was positively and significantly associated with plant height, number of leaves per plant and leaf length. The path coefficient analysis indicated positive and significant correlation as well as high direct effect of dry fodder yield per plant, plant height, number of leaves per plant and stem girth on green fodder yield per plant.