Correlation and path analysis for yield and yield contributing traits in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

Twenty nine genotypes including four checks (Pusa Do Mausami, Pusa Vishesh, Pusa Rasder and Co-1) of bitter gourd were grown in Augmented Block Design to assess correlation coefficient and path co-efficient analysis during late Kharif 2018–19. The correlation coefficient indicated that there was a highly significant and positive correlation between fruit yield per vine and fruit yield per hectare (0.998), average fruit weight (0.827) and fruit length (0.627) while the association was significant for number of fruits per vine (0.412). The path analysis indicated that average fruit weight (0.615), number of fruits per vine (0.442), fruit length (0.227), days to opening of first male flower (0.089), days to first fruit harvest (0.060), number of primary branches (0.019) and node at which first female flower appeared (0.016) had direct positive effects on fruit yield per vine. Based on overall findings of the present study, it was concluded that for selecting superior genotypes primary emphasis should be given on fruit yield per vine followed by number of fruits per vine, average fruit weight and fruit length. © 2021, Society for Plant Research.