Prediction of genetic variability and character contribution using path analysis in <i>Curcuma longa</i> L. germplasm

Abstract

Seventeen genetic stocks of Curcuma longa L. were evaluated for nature and amount of genetic variability, associations, and path analysis for six economic traits. GCV and PCV were largest for fresh rhizome yield, Para-cymene-8-ol and 1, 8 cineole. Path coefficient study showed the largest direct contribution to rhizome yield was plant height while other traits were negative; but their direct contribution via oil content in leaf and rhizome was large. All traits expressed medium to high heritability (^h2(BS), low to medium genetic advance and positive correlations. Correlation coefficients between traits expressed that rhizome oil content, 1, 8 cineole were highly significant and positively correlated with plant height and 1, 8 cineole at genotypic and phenotypic level, respectively. Based on mean performance AMT3, Tur1UNK, ST-3(3) were best for leaf oil, rhizome oil and fresh rhizome yield. These accessions may be exploited for commercial production/exploitation.