Correlation and path coefficient analysis among agro-morphological and biochemical traits of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] genotypes in Ethiopia

Abstract

Thirty six okra genotypes were evaluated for different agro-morphological and biochemical traits at Melkassa Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia during 2018 main season using 6 x 6 simple lattice design. The objectives were to assess the correlation of agro-morphological and biochemical traits with fruit yield and to partition the correlation in to direct and indirect effects through path analysis. The genotypic correlation was positive and significant for fruit yield per hectare with stem diameter, plant height, leaf length, leaf width, peduncle length, fruit length, fresh fruit mass, hundred seed mass, seed yield per hectare and ash content. The phenotypic correlation was positive and significant for fruit yield per hectare with stem diameter, plant height, number of branches, leaf length, leaf width, peduncle length, fruit length, fresh fruit mass, number of fruits per plant, hundred seed mass, seed yield per hectare, ash, fat and protein content. Path coefficient analysis indicated fresh fruit mass and seed yield per hectare had positive direct effects on fruit yield per hectare at phenotypic and genotypic levels. These traits also exerted high to low positive indirect effects through other traits on fruit yield at genotypic and phenotypic level. In conclusion, this study showed the presence of association of traits with fruit yield indicating that the prime importance of these traits while selecting higher yield okra genotypes.