Regional Research Sub-station, SKUAST (K), Kargil, Ladakh
* Present address: Director, Central Institute of Temperature Horticulture P.O. Sanatnagar, Srinagar (J&K).
** Division of Plant Breeding and Genetics, SKUAST, Shalimar 191 121.
Genetic variability, correlations and path coefficients were studied in 25 cultivars of apricot. Data were recorded on 11 fruit, stone and kernel characters. Coefficient of variation was high for fruit weight, moderate for kernel and stone weight, shell thickness, fruit cheek and diameter, but low for stone length and kernel breadth. High estimates of heritability (broad sense) along with high genetic advance were observed for fruit weight, stone weight and diameter, fruit diameter, cheek and length. Fruit weight was closely associated with fruit length, cheek, diameter and stone weight and kernel length. Considering the association and path analysis, stone weight, fruit length and stone diameter had a great influence on fruit weight and should be given maximum importance in selection programme.
