Studies on path coefficient analysis in papaya (Carica papaya L.)

The present investigation was carried out at the Horticultural Research Centre of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut (U.P.) during 2010 and 2011. In Randomized Block Design with three replication using seventeen genotypes of papaya and fifteen various traits were recorded on randomly selected plants. Path coefficient analysis showed that fruit weight, Fruit per plant, plant height at flowering, days to flowering, fruit girth were the most important characters controlling directly effects on fruit yield per plant. Whereas, Path coefficient analysis showed that plant height, flower initiation, Days to flowering, plant height at flowering, petiole length, plant girth, number of leaves at flowering, fruit length, fruit girth, central cavity, pulp thickness, TSS, number of fruit per plant, fruit weight were most important characters indirectly effects on fruit yield per plant. The plants of genotype PS 1 yielded more fruits of superior quality. Yield and quality are the most important economic traits in papaya and therefore, this genotype can be recommended for selection.