Genetic variability, correlation path analysis for cured leaf yield and its components in Bidi Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

The present investigation was carried out with fifteen genotypes of bidi tobacco in randomized complete block design with three replications. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for all the characters, indicating the presence of great deal of variability for different traits. The genetic variance contributed major proportion of total variance for all the characters under study suggesting that these characters were largely under genetic control. The moderate values of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation and high genetic advance coupled with high heritability were observed for cured leaf yield, plant height, leaf width, leaf thickness, spangle score, nicotine content, chloride content and reducing sugar content indicating the presence of sufficient variability and predominance of additive gene action in the inheritance of these traits. Days to flowering and leaf length showed significant and positive association with cured leaf yield, at both genotypic and phenotypic level indicating mutual association of these traits. Further, path coefficient analysis revealed that days to flowering (1.038**), leaf length (1.370**), leaf width (0.761**) and leaf thickness (0.796**) in that order, were major characters having positive direct effects and significant association with cured leaf yield, indicating scope for considering these characters in selection programme for bringing out an improvement in tobacco yield.