Studies on correlation and path analysis in exotic genotypes of Italian millet [Setaria italica (L.) Beauv]

Abstract

Thirty four exotic genotypes of Italian millet studied for correlation and path coefficient analysis during kharif and rabi. The investigation during kharif revealed positive significant correlation of days to 50% flowering, plant height, days to maturity, number of productive tillers per plant, ear length, ear weight and straw weight with yield per plant where as during rabi besides these characters flag leaf area and 1000 grain weight were also observed to influence yield. The association of protein content and calcium content with grain yield was in negative direction. The association of carotene with grain yield was negative in during kharif only. So simultaneous improvement of these traits along with grain yield may not be possible. The study indicated that direct selection based on the characters, number productive tillers per plant during kharif whereas in rabi ear weight and straw weight are effective as the association and direct effects were positive for these traits during both the seasons.