Trait association and magnitude of direct and indirect effects on yield in sorghum(Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) genotypes

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out with 65 accessions of sorghum genotypes
along with 3 checks to estimates the association among different traits and magnitude of
direct and indirect effects on grain yield per plant. Results of correlation analysis pointed out
highly significant and positive association at both phenotypic and genotypic levels by dry
panicle weight (rg=0.7, rp=0.698), leaf width (rg=0.657, rp=0.607) followed by moderately
significant and positive association by dry matter production (rg=0.54, rp=0.522) and fodder
yield (rg=0.535, rp=0.518) with the dependent character grain yield per plant. The
magnitudes of genotypic correlation were found higher than the phenotypic correlation.
Partitioning of yield and its component traits at phenotypic levels into direct and indirect
contribution of the traits exhibited highest positive direct effects on grain yield per plant
were dry panicle weight (Ppi=0.697) followed by fodder yield (Ppi =0.053) and 100-seed
weight (Ppi =0.028). Hence, these parameters may be considered as selection indices in
sorghum breeding programmes.