Relationship among seed yield components, and selection criteria for yield improvement in alfalfa genotypes (Medicago sativa)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during 2003-05 to study the variability, correlation and path analysis of 35 land races of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) ecotypes introduced from sources of the Van Lake region at Turkey for its seed yield and yield componets. Significant differences among ecotypes for most of the traits indicated that there is sufficient variability available to have an effective selection. Positive relationships existed between seed yield and genetic components. There was highly positive and significant correlation with gemination capacity and blooming period but negative and significant for seed yield . A positive significant correlation found between petal leaf length and ovary length (0.748*) but negative association existed between pollen longevity with calyx length (-0.718*) and ovary length (-0.677*). Path analysis indicated that petal leaf length, calyx length, and pollen longevity had strong positive and direct effect on seed yield, whereas blooming period, germination capacity, 1 000-seed weight and pollen size had strong negative effect. These yield components may have a good selection criterion to imoprove seed yield of alfalfa ecotypes.