Character association and path coefficient analysis of pod yield and yield components in virginia bunch groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Correlation and path coefficient analysis were carried out for pod yield and its component characters in 10 genotypes of Virginia bunch groundnut. The genotypic correlation coefficients were found to be of relatively higher magnitude than the corresponding phenotypic correlation coefficients, indicating strong inherent association between the characters. Correlation studies indicated that number of mature pods per plant, biological yield per plant, biological yield per hectare, 100 kernel weight, oil yield per hectare, kernel yield per plant, kernel yield per hectare and pod yield per hectare showed significant positive association with pod yield per plant both at phenotypic and genotypic levels. Path analysis studies revealed that kernel yield per plant and 100 kernel weight exerted maximum positive direct effect on pod yield per plant. Hence, it would be rewarding to give due importance on the selection of these characters for rapid improvement in pod yield of Virginia bunch groundnut.