Correlation and Path Analysis in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

The estimate of genotypic correlation coefficients in general higher than their corresponding phenotypic correlations indicating strong inherent association among the traits. Number of well-filled and mature pods per plant had shown positive correlation with SPAD Chlorophyll meter reading. Shelling per cent registered positive correlation with 100 kernel weight, specific leaf area and pod yield per plant. Pod yield per plant showed positively significant correlation with the traits viz., number of primary branches per plant, number of immature pods per plant and 100 pod weight. These characters can be considered as criteria for selection for higher yield, as these were mutually and directly associated with pod yield. Number of well-filled and mature pod per plant had shown positive and negligible indirect effect on pod yield per plant via dry haulms yield per plant. The highest positive direct effect on pod yield per plant was recorded with number of primary branches per plant followed by sound mature kernel per cent, 100 kernel weight and number of well-filled and mature pods per plant. Hence, a direct selection for this trait would be effective.