Correlation and path coefficient analysis of quantitative characters in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

Twenty-eight germplasm lines of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications at the Sagdividi Farm, Department of Seed Science and Technology, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh during summer 2016. Correlation and path coefficient analysis were carried out to study the character association and contribution, respectively; the genotypes were evaluated for the following seventeen characters: stem diameter (cm), Number of nodes at first flowering, Number of leaves per plant, Length of leaf blade (cm), Width of leaf blade (cm), Flower length (cm), Flower diameter (cm), Pedicel length (cm), Days to 50% flowering, Fruit length (cm), Fruit diameter (cm), Number of fruits per plant, Number of branches, Plant height (cm), Number of seeds per fruit, 100-seed weight (g) and Seed yield per plant (g). Number of fruits per plant and Number of seeds per fruit showed highest positive and very high significant correlation with yield per hectare followed by 100-seed weight and plant height. Plant height and 100-seed weight showed positive and significant correlation with yield per hectare. Stem diameter showed negative and significant correlation with Number of leaves per plant, Fruit length and plant height with 100-seed weight and Seed yield per plant. Path coefficient analysis on various yield contributing characters revealed that Number of fruits per plant, Number of seeds per fruit, Plant height, Fruit length, 100-seed weight and Number of branches showed direct positive effect towards yield. The improvement in pod yield per plant will be efficient, if the selection is based on Number of fruits per plant, Number of seeds per fruit, Plant height, Fruit length, 100-seed weight and Number of branches.