Correlation and Path Analysis of Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]

Abstract

During Kharif 2017, 96 sorghum accessions were tested and characterised for several yield component characteristics and morphological factors at the Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology's Instructional Dairy Farm in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India. A positive and significant correlation coefficient of component traits ensures their potential for selection in order to maximize fodder yield. In the present study green fodder yield and dry fodder yield were found to be significantly and positively associated with plant height (0.389, 0.351) and stem girth (0.476, 0.418). leaf length (0.011), stem girth (0.007), leaf width (0.001) and plant height (0.002) were observed to have a positive direct effect on green fodder yield. The findings of the research reveal noteworthy relationships between green fodder yield, dry fodder yield and specific morphological attributes. Therefore, these characters provide enormous opportunity for selection to improve yield. The present study has implications in current breeding programmes for developing improved varieties by highlighting the specific traits and parameters that can contribute significantly to higher fodder yield, breeders can strategically target these characteristics during the selection and breeding process. By identifying features that have a direct beneficial influence on yield, the study gives practical insights that can benefit fodder production and as a result, the livestock and agriculture industries.