Correlation and Path Analysis in Coconut (Cocos nucifera Linn.)

Studies on genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis of morphological and nut characters of twenty eight coconut cultivars revealed that a high degree of variability is observed for copra content, length of internodes, dehusked nut weight, no. of female flowers and bunches with button. All these characters showed high heritability and genetic advance. The copra yield of coconut was strongly and positively correlated with copra content, kernel thickness, dehusked nut weight, whole nut weight, nut length and nut breadth, bunches with button, palm height and length of inflorescence. The direct effects of copra content/palm, whole nut weight, number of spike lets, number of functional leaves, nut length are positively correlated with copra yield. These characters are to be given emphasis while selection for improvement of copra yields in coconut.