Character association and path coefficient analysis in African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)

Twenty-two genotypes of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) were assessed for 16 quantitative traits to study the association of yield components and their direct and indirect effects on flower yield. Flower yield per plant (genotypic) was found to be positively correlated with plant height, flowering duration, number of flowers per plant, flower diameter, fresh weight per flower, dry weight per flower and number of seeds per head. Path coefficient analysis (genotypic) revealed that traits like days to flowering, stem diameter, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, flowering duration, number of flowers per plant, flower diameter, fresh weight per flower and harvest index showed positive direct effects on flower yield per plant. Hence, selection for these traits would be effective for flower yield improvement in marigold.