Genetic variability, character association and path analysis studies in Guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq.)

The present study was conducted to assess the magnitude of genetic variability, correlation and path analysis in Guinea grass genotypes for fodder yield and its component traits and quality parameters. The traits, green fodder yield per plant and crude protein content showed moderate PCV and GCV while the trait, crude fibre content showed low PCV and GCV. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for number of leaves per plant, leaf weight and crude protein content and these characters were controlled by additive gene effects, hence selection of genotypes based on these traits would be effective in the improvement of both fodder yield and quality. Correlation and path analysis showed that due importance should be given for leaf weight, leaf stem ratio, plant height, number of tillers per plant and number of leaves per plant. Hence these traits may be considered as selection indices for guinea grass improvement programme.