Character association and path coefficient analysis in turfgrasses

The present investigations on association of various morphological traits through correlation and path coefficient analysis were carried out among 12 species and varieties of turfgrasses. A significant and positive correlation at genotypic and phenotypic level was observed for germination percentage with shoot density/25 cm² (0.654 and 0.673), whereas it was non significant and positive for shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots, dry shoot/root ratio and non significant and negative for root density/25 cm². Partitioning of genotypic correlation into direct and indirect effects revealed that dry weight of shoots contributed (5.037) highest and significantly positive direct effect on shoot density/25 cm² followed by dry shoot and root ratio and fresh weight of roots. Whereas, phenotypic path coefficient analysis revealed that the dry weight of shoots contributed (0.848) highest and significantly positive direct effect on shoot density/25 cm² followed by germination percentage and fresh weight of roots.