Assessment of Path Co-efficient Analysis for Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Sponge Gourd [Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem.]

This investigation was conducted to determine the path coefficient analysis using 40 genotypes of sponge gourd at the experimental plot of Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, UHS, Bagalkot (Karnataka) in RBD design along with two replications during the year 2020-2021. Path co-efficient analysis considered as one of the best statistical methods which can help breeders to characterize the genotypes during the parent selection program and select the desirable genotypes for higher yield production. Path coefficients analysis showed thatthe traits like number of fruits per vine, average fruit weight, fruit length, number of branches per vine and vine length had positive direct effect on fruit yield per vine. Thus the higher magnitude of positive direct effect of these traits explains the higher value of association between these traits on yield per vine. Therefore, direct selection for these traits would reward for yield improvement in sponge gourd.