Correlation and path analysis for yield, yield attributes and xanthophyll content in african marigold (Tagetes erecta l.)

An investigation was carried out with 34 genotypes of African marigold to assess association of yield components with yield their relationship and the direct and indirect effect of yield components on flower yield. Results of correlation analysis indicated that the flower yield was found to be significantly and positively correlated with number of branches per plant, flower head size, flower head weight, number of flowers per plant and xanthophyll content. Days to first flowering showed a negative association with flower yield per plant. Path analysis has conclusively shown that traits like number of branches per plant and days to first flowering showed maximum positive direct effect on flower yield per plant in addition to their positive indirect effect through other characters.