Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis in Sprouting Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck): An Experimental Research

Abstract

The current investigation wascarried out on 28 genotypes of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica Plenck) at Experimental Vegetable Farm of ETC Malangpora, Pulwama during the Rabi 2023 under Randomised Complete Block Design. Character association analysis revealed that curd weight in broccoli was significant positively correlated with curd yield, curd depth, number of leaves, number of lateral heads, harvest index, curd diameter and plant spread, thusindicating the importance of these characters in selection criteria for improvement of curd yield in broccoli. Curd yield shows significant negative correlation with both days to curd initiation and harvest indicating the role of these traits in selecting early genotypes that is important for breeding programme. The results of path analysis showed that the character curd diameter shows maximum positive direct effect on curd yield followed by harvest index, plant height and number of leaves. This indicates that selection based on curd diameter, harvest index, plant height and number of leaves can be effective for yield improvement in the crop. This research article is valuable to help breeders for efficient selection in broccoli breeding. Various morphological traits influence the economic part like curd yield which is been determined by correlation and path coefficient analysis. It also signifies understanding relation between the traits which can be used for the development of high yielding broccoli cultivars.