Path analysis studies for fruit yield and it’s contributing traits in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Present investigation was carried out at the Horticulture Research Centre, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut during summer season- 2018-2019. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the stains for all characters studies viz, vine length, number of primary branches, days to 50% flowering, days to first fruit harvest, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit diameter, average fruit weight, fruit yield. Path analysis provided a clear picture about direct and indirect effects, days to first fruit per plant (0.439) had maximum direct positive effect, followed by average fruit weight (0.375) while, days to 50% flowering (-0.543) had maximum direct negative effect, followed by fruit diameter (-0.333). The Phenotypic path coefficient revealed that days to first fruit per plant (0.420) had maximum direct positive effect, followed by average fruit weight (0.375) while, days to 50% flowering (-0.526) had maximum direct negative effect, followed by fruit diameter (-0.330).Thus, while conducting selection for yield improvement in cucumber, a breeder will have to emphasize on the genotypes which mature early having more average fruit weight, longer fruits, more fruit diameter, a greater number of marketable fruits and primary branches plant, longer vine.