Genetic and phenotypic correlation and path coefficient analysis for traits in sugarcane

Abstract

Sugarcane is one of the two main sources of raw sugar that is grown in Upper Egypt. Information about trait relationships and direct and indirect effects of yield contributing would greatly improve the process of cultivar development. An experiment comprising 52 sugarcane clones coupled with the check cultivar GT 54/9 was conducted in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications at Kom-Ombo Agricultural Research Station, Aswan Governorate during 2016/17 (plant cane) and 2017/18 (first ratoon) growing seasons. Data were collected on yield and some of its attributes. Phenotypic and genotypic correlations between certain stalk related traits (stalk height, stalk weight and stalk number), and cane yield were positive and significant in both plant cane and ratoon crops. positive and significant correlations at the phenotypic and genotypic levels were found between all quality traits studied (Brix, sucrose, juice purity and sugar recovery) and sugar yield in both plant cane and ratoon crops. Positive and significant phenotypic and genotypic correlations were observed between sugar recovery and each of Brix, sucrose and juice purity in both plant cane and ratoon crops. Cane yield showed the highest positive and significant correlation coefficient values with sugar yield at the phenotypic and genotypic levels in both crops. Phenotypic and genotypic path coefficients revealed that stalk weight and stalks number had positive direct effects on cane yield. Cane yield was the primary direct determinant of sugar yield. Applying correlation determination followed by path coefficient analyses could be a worthwhile selection strategy.