Correlation and path coefficient analysis studies for the yield and its traits in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

Correlation coefficient provides symmetrical measurement of degree of association between two characters which help in understanding the nature and magnitude of association among yield and yield components and path coefficient analysis was carried out by using phenotypic as well as genotypic correlation coefficient between characters to resolve direct and indirect effects of different characters on head yield. Correlation and path coefficient analysis partitioned into direct and indirect for all the 13 quantitative characters were studies in 16 genotypes of cabbage. The positive and significant association of yield was observed with all the characters except days to maturity at both genotypic and phenotypic level; indicating that selection based on this character will result in identifying the genotypes having high yield potential. The path coefficient analysis reveals that at phenotypic level head weight, vitamin C and plant spread had high order direct effect on yield q/ha whereas, at genotypic level head weight, leaf width and leaf length had high order direct effect on yield q/ha. Therefore head weight, vitamin C, plant spread, leaf length and leaf width should be considered as selection criteria for yield improvement in cabbage breeding programme.