Determining the important growth parameters and critical stage for indirect selection of amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.)

Studies were conducted in twenty-two elite amaranth genotypes to know the important growth parameters and yield attributes having significant association with yield (leaf fresh weight) and also to identify the important growth stage for undergoing selection. Eleven growth parameters were estimated and their correlations with six plant traits at four growth stages (S₁ to S₄) revealed that S₂ stage (35–73 days), which is initial active vegetative to pre flowering stage, was the most crucial stage where maximum number of correlations of growth parameter with other yield attributes were significantly positive. Four growth parameters (Absolute Growth Rate, Crop Growth Rate, Leaf Area Index and Leaf Area Duration) were found to be most important for indirect selection and yield gains in the crop.