Correlation and path coefficient studies on growth earliness and yield parameters in okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench

The character association and path analysis in fifty two genotypes of okra were studied for 10 important characters. The character association studies revealed that the fruit yield per plant had significant and positive association with number of leaves at 90 days after sowing (DAS) at both genotypic and phenotypic levels whereas number of branches per plant (90 DAS) at only genotypic level. It was significantly and negatively associated with internodal length (45 and 90 DAS) and days to first harvest. Presence of lower difference between the correlation coefficients at genotypic and phenotypic levels for various traits in the present findings indicates the lesser influence of the environment in the expression of these traits and presence of strong inherent association among the traits. Path analysis studies revealed significant positive association at genotypic level among the traits viz number of leaves per plant (90 DAS) and number of branches per plant (45 DAS) and exhibited perfect association with direct effect on yield per plant. These traits can be viewed for direct selection for improvement in the total yield per plant.