Character Association and Path Analysis in Forage Sorghum

Genotypic correlations were of higher magnitude compared to their corresponding phenotypic correlations for most of the character combinations. Green fodder yield was found positive and significant association with leaf breadth leaves per plant and leaf area at genotypic and phenotypic level. This indicates that any selection based on these characters will enhance performance and improvement in forage sorghum. Path coefficient analysis showed that leaf length, leaf breadth, leaves per plant and leaf area were the most important characters controlling directly green fodder yield. High indirect positive contribution of leaf length, leaf breadth, leaves per plant and stem girth via leaf area and leaf stem ratio, total soluble solids and protein content via leaves per plant. This indicates that, effectiveness of selection for high fodder yield could be enhanced by inclusion of leaf length, leaf breadth, leaves per plant, stem girth, and leaf area as a selection criterion along with the leaf stem ratio.