Studies on correlation and path coefficient analysis in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)

An investigation was carried out at Horticultural Research station, Kovvur to study the correlation and path coefficient analysis in turmeric germplasm. The experiment was laid out in augmented block design with 83 germplasm lines including three checks. The rhizome yield per plant exerted a significant and positive correlation both at phenotypic and genotypic levels for all the characters studied and is highly and significantly correlated with number of primary rhizomes, plant height, basal stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, number of tillers per plant, length of mother rhizome, length of primary rhizome, girth of primary rhizome, number of secondary rhizomes, length of secondary rhizome, girth of secondary rhizome, curcumin content and days to maturity. Path coefficient analysis projected basal diameter, number of primary rhizomes, girth of mother rhizome, leaf width and number of secondary rhizomes per plant as major contributors towards yield due to high positive effects and hence these traits are to be taken into consideration in turmeric crop improvement programme.