Correlation and path analysis in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]

Correlation and path analysis were carried out in 69 okra genotypes using growth, earliness and yield traits. The results indicated the inverse relationship between growth and earliness characters but strong association between growth and yield characters. Total yield per plant was positively and significantly correlated with number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, number of nodes on main stem, fruit length, plant height at 60 and 100 days after sowing (DAS) and number of leaves on 45 and 100, whereas, total yield per plant had negative and significant association with number of locules per fruit, number of nodes at first flowering and first fruiting. Path analysis revealed that average fruit weight, number of nodes on main stem and number of fruits per plant had high direct effect on total yield per plant. Hence, direct selection for average fruit weight and number of fruits per plant is suggested for getting yield improvement.