Genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis in F₁C₂ population of potato genotypes

The study was done on genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient of potato to get the breeding strategy of the genotypes wherein 126 F1C2 population with 4 check varieties of potato were grown in augmented block design and accommodated in 9 blocks having 14 plots each. Genotypes were evaluated to find out the variation and correlation of twelve traits with the tuber yield. Maximum positive direct effect on tuber yield per meter square was imposed by percent plant emergence at 30 days after planting, plant height, and average tuber weight, number of stems per plant, dry matter and total soluble solids, number of tubers per plant, specific gravity and ascorbic acid. However, protein content, and tuber diameter were exerted negative direct effect towards yield. Positive direct effects of tuber weight and number of tubers per plant indicate good scope for improvement in tuber yield by selecting genotypes bearing high tuber weight along with more number of tubers per plant. The tubers, obtained from the present investigation, were virus free but of smaller size, therefore, the selected genotypes after evaluation should be grown for five to six generations to get the high marketable yield. Therefore the evaluated genotypes might be grown for 5–6 generations to get maximum marketable yield.