Path Coefficient Analysis of Seed Yield in Big Bluestem

Abstract

Path coefficient analysis was performed on 19 spaced-plant, open-pollinated big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vit.) progenies to determine direct and indirect effects of seed yield components (number of flowering culms, florets per culm, fertility index, and seed weight) on seed yield. Seed yield was positively correlated with all its components. Number of flowering culms, florets per culm, and fertility index had substantial direct effects, in that order, on seed yield. The significant positive total correlation between seed weight and seed yield resulted from positive indirect effects of florets per culm and fertility index. The negative indirect effect of number of flowering culms substantially reduced total correlations between seed yield and fertility index and florets per culm. Correlations between forage characters and number of flowering culms and seed yield were highly significant. Number of flowering culms was negatively correlated with seed weight, fertility index, and floret per culm.