Character association and path coefficient analysis among quantitative traits in China aster (Callistephus chinensis)

Twenty genotypes of China aster [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees] were evaluated for 12 quantitative traits to study the character association and path coefficient analysis in a randomized complete block design with three replications during 2012–13. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes for all the characters. In correlation studies, number and weight of flowers/plant were significant and positively correlated with plant height, number of branches/plant, number of leaves/plant and flower stalk length. Path coefficient analysis was carried out using correlation coefficients to know the yield-contributing traits having true associations with flower yield/plant. In path coefficient analysis, days to 50% flowering recorded maximum positive direct effect on weight of flowers/plant, followed by flower stalk length, flowering duration, number of branches/plant, plant height and number of flowers/plant, revealing that indirect selection for these traits would be effective in improving flower yield/plant. Days to 50% flowering showed highest positive indirect effect on yield of flowers, followed by flower stalk length, plant height, flowering duration, number of branches and flowers/plant. There was a direct positive influence on weight of flowers/plant from duration of flowering, days taken to 50% flowering, flower diameter and number of ray florets/flower.