Character Association and Path Analysis in Onion(Allium cepa L.) for Yield and Its Attributes

Abstract

Information on the extent and nature of association among characters helps in formulating efficient scheme of multiple trait selection, as it provides a means of direct and indirect selection of component characters. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the nature of association of yield contributing characters among themselves and also the direct and indirect effects of yield contributing characters on yield through path analysis. Two onion cultivars and six plant spacing were used in randomized complete block design in factorial arrangementwith three replications in 2014 cropping season. Correlation analysis revealed that the values of genotypic correlation coefficients were higher than the corresponding phenotypic correlation coefficients for most of the traits. This suggests that the apparent associations might be largely due to genetic associations among the traits. Total bulb yield showed significant high positive phenotypic correlations with the number of marketable bulbs (r = 0.867**) and weight of marketable bulbs (r = 0.997**). The strongest positive and highly genotypic association was observed between weight of marketable bulbs and total bulb yield (r=0.999**). Weight of marketable bulb which showed maximum direct effect also exerted considerable positive indirect effect via biological fresh matter yield and negative indirect effect through plant height at maturity, indicating the need for attention while selecting these characters.

Keywords: Character association, Onion, Path analysis