Correlation and path coefficient analysis in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.)

Yield per plant had significant positive correlation with fruit weight, fruits per plant, number of vines per plant, harvest duration, rind thickness, shelf-life and vine length. Path analysis revealed that fruit weight, fruits per plant, rind thickness, incidence of fruit fly, TSS, days to first fruit harvest, severity of powdery mildew, flesh thickness, severity of downy mildew and shelf-life showed positive direct effect on yield per plant while other characters had negative direct effect. Therefore, it is suggested that fruit weight and number of fruits per plant are the main components of yield and should be given high priority in the selection programme.