Association of characters and path coefficient analysis of seed yield and yield components in onion (Allium cepa L.).

摘要

Fifteen onion genotypes (one standard control and 14 exotic cultivars) were evaluated in RCBD with 3 replications at Melkassa Research Center, Nazareth, Ethiopia, during the 1999-2000 growing season (August-February). The objective of the study wasto understand the association of characters with seed yield. The genotypic correlation coefficients were greater in magnitude than the phenotypic ones. Seed yield per plant had a high, significant correlation with number of flower stalks per plant, number of seeds and flowers per umbel and umbel size. Bolting and flowering period had a significant negative correlation with seed yield per plant. From the path analysis results, the number of flower stalks per plant, bolting period, thousand seed weight, flower stalk diameter and umbel size had a high direct positive effect on seed yield per plant. Since the direct and indirect effects through these components on seed yield are high and positive, selection should concentrate on these characters for high seed yield in onion cultivars. Since these components were found to affect seed yield they could be used for developing varieties for the growing onion industry in the country.