Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of Yield Components in Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]

Phenotypic correlation and path coefficient analysis was worked out for eleven important characters in fifty genotypes of okra. The estimates of genotypic correlation coefficient were higher than the estimates of phenotypic correlation coefficient for all the character combinations. Fruit yield per plant (g) showed positive and significant correlation with number of first fruiting nodes / plant, final plant height (cm), no. of fruiting nodes /plant, length of fruit (cm), weight per fruit (g), and number of fruits per plant. The path coefficient analysis revealed that the magnitude of direct effect were higher for weight per fruit (0.506) followed by number of fruits per plant(0.326), length of fruit (0.2) and no. of first fruiting nodes /plant (0.190) while the magnitude of rest of the characters in all the environments were moderate to low. Further the indirect effect through weight per fruit and number of fruits per plant were important. Hence it is suggested that more emphasis should be given on weight per fruit, number of fruits per plant and plant height while executing the selection for genetic enhancement of fruit yield in okra.