Correlation and path analysis in large seeded groundnut genotypes

Abstract

Groundnut is a self pollinated leguminous oilseed crop cultivated in 3.35 lakh ha in Tamil Nadu for oil and food purposes. It 
is rich in protein and provides nutritious fodder to live stock.  Breeding for quality parameters in addition to yield enhances 
the economic returns to the farmers and other stakeholders along the value chain, the large seeded groundnut fetches higher 
price in the market because of its export potential. To develop an elite genotypes, knowledge on inter relationship among the 
yield and its component characters and direct and indirect contribution towards yield is an important. Hence, the present 
study was undertaken to assess the nature and magnitude of association between pod yield and its components characters in 
large seeded groundnut genotypes. Observations were recorded on following seven characters viz., days to 50% flowering, 
plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, 100 kernel weight, sound mature kernel, and single 
plant yield. The trait sound mature kernel and 100 kernel weight had positive and significant association with pod yield per 
plant. The path analysis disclosed that the character plant height had the highest positive direct effects on sound mature 
kernel followed by number of pod per plant and 100 kernel weight. The results revealed that the direct selection for the 
above mentioned traits could improve the pod yield in large seeded groundnut.