Genetic variability and association studies in half-sib progenies of Puvarasu (Thespesia populnea L. Sol. ex. Correa) in coastal regions of Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu

Twelve-month-old superior 20 half-sib progenies of Thespesiapopulnea were evaluated nine months after planting for genetic variability, heritability, genetic gain, correlation and path analysis at Perugavalthan, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu during 2014. Among the 20 half-sibs, progenies collected from Aathikadu recorded higher growth characters followed by Periyampatti and T. Nagar. Volume index registered highest phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation followed by height. Maximum heritability was observed for volume index followed by height and basal diameter. Volume index was found to be associated with higher genetic gain while it was low for height and basal diameter. Volume index had high and significant positive phenotypic and genotypic correlation with height and basal diameter. Path analysis showed that basal diameter and height contributed directly to the volume index. The half-sib progenies of Thespesiapopulnea collected from Aathikadu, Periyampatti and T. Nagar were proved to be superior on the basis of characters under study in coastal saline soil.