Correlation and path coefficient studies in Chow-Chow (Sechium edule)

Correlation and path coefficient analysis in eleven germplasm of Chow-Chow was worked out. The fruit weight was positively correlated with fruit diameter and length of vine, indicated that fruit diameter and fruit weight could be improved simultaneously. This suggested that these characters are the most important yield component and that effective improvement in yield can be achieved through selection. Number of fruits per plant positively correlated with the length of vine at genotypic level. Fruit weight also showed negative and non-significant correlation with number of fruit per plant, this indicated that increase in number of fruits per plant was associated with reduction in fruit size. In path coefficient analysis, the number of fruits per plant had positive direct effect as well as indirect effect via days to sprouting and length of vine suggesting thereby a good scope of improvement of these characters by selecting of plant type bearing large number of fruits.