Correlation and path coefficient studies for fruit component traits in coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) hybrids

The present investigation was carried out at the ICAR-AICRP Palms centre, Coconut Research Station, TNAU, Aliyarnagar, Tamil Nadu during 2012 to 2020 with five location specific coconut hybrids along with two tall varieties as local adopted checks viz., West Coast Tall (WCT) and Kalpatharu. Correlation and path analysis was performed to assess the association among nut yield and copra yield with important yield contributing traits in Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.). Correlation and path analysis revealed that copra yield per palm was positively and significantly associated with the fruit component traits viz., nut yield per palm per year, de-husked nut weight, whole nut weight, copra weight, fruit breadth and fruit length. A positive correlation was found among fruit component traits viz,, fruit length, fruit breadth, whole nut weight, de-husked nut weight and copra weight. Path coefficient analysis showed that nut yield, de-husked nut weight, and copra weight recorded the highest positive direct effect on copra yield per palm. The results of the present study suggest that selection for high copra yield based on the total number of nuts per palm per year, copra weight per nut and de-husked nut weight in coconut would be rewarding for developing high yielding genotypes in coconut.