Variability and character association studies of yield and its contributing traits in low chilling peach, Prunus persica (L) Batsch genotypes

Yield and yield contributing traits such as tree height, tree spread, trunk girth, tree volume, annual shoot growth, duration of flowering, flower density and fruit set were studied in ten low chill peach genotypes for two consecutive years 2013–2014 and 2014–15. Significant differences were found for all studied traits. The estimates of PCV were higher for all the traits investigated. High heritability coupled with high genetic gain was obtained for pulp to stone ratio. High heritability coupled with moderate genetic gain was obtained for yield per tree, fruit volume, fruit weight, sugar-acid ratio, non-reducing sugars and titratable acidity. A highly significant and positive phenotypic and genotypic correlations of yield were found with trunk girth, flower density, fruit set and fruit weight. Maximum positive direct effect cited towards yield were contributed by fruit set followed by average fruit volume, fruit weight, trunk girth, stone weight, tree volume and duration of flowering.