Correlation and path analysis in african marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)

An investigation was carried out with 34 genotypes of African marigold to asses association of yield components and their direct and indirect effects on flower yield. Results of correlation analysis indicated that the flower yield per plant was found to be significantly and positively correlated with number of branches per plant, flower size, flower weight, number of flowers per plant and xanthophylls content. Days to first flowering showed a negative association with flower yield per plant. Path analysis has shown that number of flowers per plant and xanthophylls content showed high positive direct effects. Medium level of direct effect was recorded by flower diameter. Other characters recorded low or very low direct effects. Thus, the present study indicated that flower diameter, number of flowers per plant and xanthophylls content are important characters in deciding the flower yield per plant. Hence these characters may be considered as selection indices in marigold breeding programme.