Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) for Yield and Yield Attributing Traits

The correlation and path coefficient analysis were studied in sixteen genotypes in chilli for 15 different qualitative and quantitative characters. Correlation coefficients at genotypic and phenotypic levels indicated that fruit yield per plant was positively and significantly correlated with fruit weight at edible maturity, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, number of branches per plant and ascorbic acid content but negative and significant association was found with days to 50 % flowering indicating that early flowering and early picking might be associated with increasing the fruits yield per plant. Path coefficient analysis revealed that the highest positive direct effect on fruit yield per plant was exerted by fruit weight at edible maturity followed by number of fruits per plant and fruit length, while as highest negative direct effect on fruit yield per plant was exerted by number of branches per plant and pedicel length. Therefore, selection should be practiced for fruit weight at edible maturity, number of fruits per plant and fruit length for direct improvement of fruit yield per plant.