Effect of visual selection methods on character interrelationships in sugarcane*

Character associations were studied in random and selected seedling populations of three general crosses of sugarcane. Based on correlation and path coefficients, it was found that number of millable stalks (NMS) and single stalk weight (SSW) were important traits of brix yield. This study indicated the influence of selection methods on correlation coefficients to a greater extent and on direct effect to a lesser extent. Therefore, the knowledge of the realistic relationship between the characters in different selection methods can act as a valuable aid in enhancing the efficiency of selection in sugarcane breeding aimed at maximizing productivity.