Correlation and path coefficient analysis in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Genetic variability in terms of correlation and path coefficient were studied for yield per plant and its attributing traits in 16 genotypes of eggplant. Significant positive genotypic correlation coefficient was observed by fruit weight, number of leaves per plant, number of fruits per plant and number of flowers per plant. An overall observation of path coefficient studies revealed that the direct contribution of fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per hectare, fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, and number of flowers per plant was of higher magnitude on fruit yield. High negative direct effect was recorded in total sugar followed by reducing sugar and fruit length. Direct selection may be executed considering these traits as the main selection criteria to reduce in direct effects of the other characters during the development of high-yielding eggplant varieties/hybrids