Association studies for yield and yield components in lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) genotypes

Abstract

An investigation was carried out to evaluate seventy lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) genotypes during rabi 2020- 21 at SRRS, IGFRI, Dharwad to determine the character association of ten morphological traits to improve the fodder yield. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences between the genotypes for all the traits studied. Correlation analysis revealed that dry fodder yield, plant height, number of branches per plant were significantly and positively associated at genotypic as well as phenotypic level with green fodder yield. Intercorrelation study revealed that a positive and significant association was found among plant height, number of branches per plant and dry fodder yield. The leaf to stem ratio, on the other hand, was negatively associated with green fodder yield. The results of path analysis revealed that dry fodder yield had the highest positive direct effect on green fodder yield, followed by plant height and number of branches per plant. While plant height and number of branches per plant contributed indirectly via dry fodder yield for green fodder yield. The study indicated that these characters would enhance the effectiveness of selection for higher fodder yield in lucerne.