Variability, correlation and path analysis in forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) moench]

Genetic variability, correlation and path analysis were studied for yield and its attributing traits in forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. Awide range of phenotypic variability was recorded for green fodder yield and its component traits. Magnitude of genetic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), heritability (h²) and genetic advance were high for plant height and green fodder yield. The results of correlation analysis suggested that the magnitude of genotypic correlation was high as compared to the corresponding phenotypic correlations, indicating inherent relationship among the traits studied. Green fodder yield was significantly and positively correlated with plant height, stem girth, leaf length and leaf : stem ratio at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. These characters may be considered as important yield components in sorghum. Path analysis revealed that green fodder yield at I cut had maximum direct effect on total green fodder yield. This character expressed maximum positive indirect effect on total green fodder yield through plant height. Green fodder yield at III cut exhibited highest positive direct effect on total green fodder yield, whereas, number of tillers per plant expressed positive direct effect on total green fodder yield. These traits had high magnitude of genotypic correlation with green fodder yield.