Yield potential, correlation and path-coefficient for two synthetics and three commercial varieties of alfalfa

摘要

During 2003-2005, a field trial was conducted at the New Valley Research Station to evaluate the yield potential, correlation and path-coefficient of two synthetics of alfalfa (Syni and Syna; second and the third combination generations, respectively)compared with three commercial varieties (Ismailia-1, Ismailia-94 and Siwa). Syn2 had significantly higher fresh-weight and dry matter forage yields (171.1 and 46.91 ha~(-1), respectively) than other entries and ranked first for all traits. Significantly positive correlations were found among the studied traits. The path-coefficient analysis indicated that the number of tillers was the most prominent direct effect upon fresh forage yield (51.82%) with relative importance of 25.9%, followed by plant height (42.41%) with relative importance of 21.3%.