Estimate of Genotypic and Phenotypic Correlation and Path Coefficients in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

The significant positive correlation of phenotypic and genotypic performance as well as path correlation of crops helps in selection of the superior cultivars. Based upon important significance of these estimates, it was applied in our research. For this an experiment was conducted on different genotypes of chilli during winter season of 2021-22, with the aim of estimate correlation coefficient among the growth and yield traits and elucidate the direct and indirect effect of different traits on yield through path coefficient analysis. The experimental material for the study consisted of 40 genotypes including one check (Kashi Anmol), laid in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Observations were recorded on thirteen quantitative characters. The most important trait fruit yield per plant had exhibited highly significant and positive phenotypic correlation with average fruit weight (0.925), no. of fruits per plant (0.595) and fruit circumference (0.464). Path coefficient analysis revealed that average fruit weight (0.835) and no. of fruit per plant (0.385) were identified as most important traits which had positive direct on fruit yield per plant. The higher magnitude of negative direct effect on fruit yield per plant was exerted by fruit circumference (-0.018) followed by secondary branches per plant (-0.011). While maximum positive indirect effect on total fruit yield per plant shown by fruit circumference (0.448), followed by no. of fruit per plant (0.216). while negative indirect effect shown by secondary branches per plant (-0.143) followed by plant height (-0.127) and days to mature red ripe stage (-0.124). Thus, it can be inferred from the data above that selecting for these qualities will effectively enhance the crop for increased production and contributing traits.