Correlation and path analysis of quantitative traits in winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)

Abstract

In the paper presented, 30 rapeseed cultivars were studied. Seed yield components and their interrelations were analyzed using simple coefficients of correlation. The direct and indirect effects of such components on seed yield per plant were estimated using path analysis. The following traits were considered: plant height, height of the first lateral branch, number of lateral branches, number of pods per plant, seed oil content, 1000 seed weight and seed yield per plant. The highest seed yield per plant was estimated for cultivars 'Sremica', 'B-009', 'Jet Neuf and 'Falcon'. There was a complete correlation between plant height and height of the first lateral branch and a very strong one between plant height and seed oil content, as well as between plant height and seed yield per plant. The strongest direct effect on seed yield per plant was estimated for plant height, followed by the effect of number of pods per plant. This kind of investigation helps rapeseed breeders to optimize their breeding programs.