Deciphering Genetic Association and Discernment of Yield Traits Through Correlation, Path and Principal Component Analyses in Sorghum (Sorghum bicolour L. Moench)

Abstract

The agro-morphological characterization of breeding lines providing insight into existing diversity, enables the identification of desirable traits and enhances crop improvement. The present study was carried out in advanced cultures of summer sorghum . Fifteen yield contributing traits were evaluated for correlation, path and principal component analyses studies in twelve sorghum cultures. In present investigation there was existence of higher genotypic correlation when compared to phenotypic correlation that indicated the presence of inherent association among the characters. Significant and positive association was observed between single plant yield (g) and its yield contributing traits like plant height (cm), days to maturity, panicle width (cm) and panicle weight (g) whereas significant and negative association was observed between days to fifty percent flowering and its yield contributing traits like plant height (cm)and number of leaves. In this investigation path analysis at both genotypic and phenotypic levels for plant height (cm) plant height (cm), flag leaf length (cm), leaf length (cm), stem girth (cm), panicle weight (g) and seed index (g) exhibited , flag leaf length (cm), leaf length (cm), stem girth (cm), panicle weight (g)  and seed index (g) exhibited positive direct effect on grain yield (g) there by it would play an important role in selection criteria for improving the grain yield. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that PC1 accounted for 33.863 % of total variance thereby indicating the largest variability and better performance. These results could be significant genetic assets for boosting sorghum productivity, particularly amidst the uncertainties of climate change.