Correlation and path coefficient analysis in Grewia optiva Drummond

The genotypic and phenotypic correlation and path analysis was studied in forty Grewia optiva families for morphometric and fodder quality parameters. In general, the magnitude of genotypic correlations was higher than phenotypic correlations. The genotypic correlation coefficients among different characters revealed that total fresh leaf biomass had significant positive association with plant height (0.263), estimated number of leaves (0.937), leaf area (0.783), fresh weight of 100 leaves (0.896), dry weight of 100 leaves (0.819), fodder yield (0.903) and ether extract (0.3501). The highest positive direct effect on total fresh leaf biomass was imposed by dry weight of leaves (0.627) followed by estimated number of leaves (0.537), leaf dry matter content (0.195), nitrogen free extract (0.095), crude fibre (0.075), leaf area (0.063), fodder yield (0.049), plant height (0.044), fresh weight of 100 leaves (0.037), crude protein (0.035), and total ash (0.027). Diameter had negative direct effect on total fresh leaf biomass (-0.029). On the basis of this study, a higher leaf biomass would be achieved through direct selection based on fresh weight of leaves, leaf area, plant height and diameter. On the basis of fodder quality traits, a higher leaf biomass would be achieved through direct selection based on ether extract, crude protein. Therefore, the current study is important in selection of traits of economic importance based on other characters, whose direct effect is not visible.