Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of Yield and Its Component Traits in Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme)

Abstract

Background: Cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme) is a nutritionally rich and high-value horticultural crop gaining popularity due to its superior taste, health benefits, and market demand. Understanding the relationship among yield and its component traits is essential for effective selection and genetic improvement of this crop. Aim: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the association among yield and its component traits through correlation and path coefficient analysis in cherry tomato, with the aim of identifying key traits for effective selection and yield improvement. Study Design: Randomized Block Design (RBD). Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, during 2024 - 2025. Methodology: A total of 15 hybrids derived from five high yielding cherry tomato genotypes and three bacterial wilt resistant genotypes, along with eight parents and one susceptible check, were evaluated in a Randomized Block Design with three replications. Observations were recorded on eleven growth and yield traits. Genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficients were estimated to determine the association among traits, and path coefficient analysis was performed to partition the correlations into direct and indirect effects. Results: Fruit yield per plant showed significant positive association with flower clusters per plant, pericarp thickness, fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit diameter and fruits per cluster at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Path coefficient analysis revealed that fruit weight and fruits per plant exerted strong positive direct effects on yield, followed by flowers per cluster, pericarp thickness and fruit diameter, indicating the importance of fruit size and yield component traits in determining yield. Conclusion: The study indicated that fruit weight, fruits per plant and pericarp thickness are key yield contributing traits and can be effectively utilized as selection criteria for yield improvement in cherry tomato.