Character association and path analysis in chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora tzvelev.)

Correlation and path analysis was carried out for 20 genotypes of chrysanthemum under naturally-ventilated polyhouse in completely randomized design during 2019–20 and 2020–21 to indicate the relationship amongst variables and to provide direct and indirect contribution of different quantitative traits. In majority of the characters, genotypic correlation coefficient was found to be higher in magnitude than phenotypic correlation coefficient, indicating a strong inherent association among various characters but their phenotypic expression was impeded by the influence of environmental factors. Days to optimum flowering exhibited significantly positive and high correlation with plant height (0.499), days to bud initiation (0.746), days to first flower opening (0.979), flowering duration (0.391), whereas significantly positive association was observed with number of leaves per plant (0.269) and number of flowers per plant (0.316). The results of path analysis indicated that the days to optimum flowering showed positive and direct effect on days to first flower opening and number of branches per plant, suggesting that these characters can be chosen for further improvement in the breeding programme.