Genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis of some yieldrelated traits in aloe (Aloe barbadensis Mill.)

Abstract

Eleven Aloe barbadensis accessions were evaluated under subtropical conditions of Jammu during 2011-12 and 2012-13 in a three replicate complete randomized block design to estimate genetic variation, broad sense heritability, correlation and direct and indirect effects between yield and yield components. Genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variability were highest for dry latex per plant (66.82 and 68.45%) followed by gel yield per plant (66.76 and 68.04%, respectively). Broad sense heritability ranged from 22.92% (leaf length) to 71.11% (gel yield per plant). Leaf yield per plant exhibited positive and significant correlation with all growth and yield attributes except number of suckers per plant and leaf: gel ratio. The path coefficient analysis based on leaf yield per plant, as a dependent variable, revealed that all the other traits, except no. of suckers per plant and leaf: gel ratio exhibited high positive direct effects. Gel yield per leaf, fresh weight per leaf and plant spread showed the highest direct influence of 0.686, 0.342 and 0.169, respectively. From the present investigation, it is concluded that gel yield per leaf, fresh weight per leaf and plant spread having direct strong bearing on leaf yield per plant must be considered, while designing the selection indices for improving leaf yield in Aloe.