Correlation and Path Analysis Studies for Quantitative Traits in F3 Generations of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

In groundnut, correlation and path coefficient analysis was carried out to identify the suitable selection indices in F3 generations of nine crosses viz., J-87 x ICGV-00440, KDG-128 x ICGV6100, K-1563 x TLG-45, JVB-2336 x CS-319, RG-510 x ICGV-86590, TG-26 x NRCG-CS-574, TAG-24 x IVK-I-16-21, TPG-41 x CSMG-210-11 and JL-501 x 461-C. Correlation analysis revealed that the traits viz., pod yield per plant had positive and highly significant correlation with number of matured pods per plant, kernel yield per plant, 100-kernel weight, shelling outturn, sound mature kernel and harvest index. These characters can be considered as selection criteria for higher yield as they were mutually and directly associated with pod yield per plant. Out of thirteen characters studied, kernel yield per plant had exerted maximum positive direct effect on pod yield per plant. Indirect effect of harvest index through kernel yield per plant was high. Therefore, number of matured pods per plant, kernel yield per plant, shelling outturn and harvest index should be considered as selection criteria for improving pod yield per plant in groundnut.