Correlation and path coefficient analysis in capsicum (Capsicum annum L. var. Grassum Saddt.)

Abstract

Seventeen pure lines of capsicum were laid out in two randomized block design with three replications each under two spacing’s of 50 cm x 40 cm and 50 cm x 30 cm, with a view to obtain information on variability, heritability, correlation among different traits and their contribution to trait yield. Moderate coefficients of variability (genotypic and phenotypic) were obtaining for early fruit number, plant height, number of secondary branches and number of seeds under both the spacing’s. The traits such as early fruit yield, total fruit yield and total fruit number under closer spacing and fruit breadth under normal spacing exhibited moderate coefficients of variability. The path analysis revealed that early fruit yield had the highest direct effect on total fruit yield. Fruit number (early and total) had positive direct and indirect effects on total fruit yield. The direct effect of days to flowering was low but indirect effects through early fruit yield and total fruit number were moderate and negative. Indirect effect of plain height and plant spread through early fruit yield and total fruit number were also moderate and positive. The study indicated that the ideotype of capsicum should be early flowering and should have more height, spread and number of fruits per plant. 63