Correlation and path coefficient analysis for morphological and phytochemical character in wild noni morinda tomentosa heyne ex roth

The estimates of correlation coefficients indicated that the enhancement of fruit yield per plant was associated with both morphological and phytochemical traits. In general the values of genotypic correlation were higher than their phenotypic counterparts indicating strong inherent relationship among them. Path analysis also indicated contribution of both morphological and phytochemical traits to fruit yield per plant. However, anthocyanin content in leaf, carotenoid contents in fruit, tannin content in leaf and flavones in leaf evinced more direct negative effect on fruit yield per plant. These characters also exhibited desirable indirect contribution to fruit yield via other traits too. Thus, big fruits with more length to breadth ratio and lesser contents of anthocyanin, tannin and total phenol in leaf but richer contents of anthocyanin, flavonol and total phenol in fruit should be aimed for enhancement of fruit yield/plant through selection in Morindatomentosa.