Variability and association among fruit traits in palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer L.)

One hundred and twenty nine palmyrah genotypes were collected from various parts of India and Fruit characterization was done. Variability parameters indicated that high variability exist for fruit weight (g) and weight of shreds (g). Moderate variability was observed for weight of seed. Low variability was observed for fruit length (cm), fruit diameter (cm), length of seed (cm), circumference of seed and weight of flesh (g). Hence all the characters except seed weight are good for further improvement through selection. The correlation studies for eight fruit characters indicated that all traits namely fruit weight (g), fruit length (cm), fruit diameter (cm), weight of seed (g), length of seed (cm), circumference of seed, weight of flesh (g) and weight of shreds (g) had significant and positive correlation. Hence simultaneous selection is possible for all these traits in Palmyrah.