Genetic Variability and Character Association Studies for Yield and Yield Traits in French Marigold (Tagetes Patula L.)

Twelve growth and flowering traits to study their genetic variability, correlation and path coefficients from twenty-five genotypes of French marigold (Tagetes patula L.) were evaluated in the growing season 2016/17. The analysis of variance for all the traits showed significant differences among genotypes for all the growing plants and flowering traits. The range in mean performance was observed for plant height (34.33-94.33 cm), plant spread (31.33-73.43 cm), number of flowers per plant (53.33-104.67), carotenoid content (19.43-74.57 mg/100 g), days to 50% of flowering (49.43-82.40 days) and flower yield per plant (142.56 g - 526.15 g). The phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) were higher than the corresponding genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) for all the characters. High heritability coupled with high genetic gain was observed for flower yield per plant, days to 50% of flowering and plant height. Flower yield per plant had a positive and highly significant correlation both at genotypic and phenotypic levels with the number of flowers per plant, fresh weight of flower, plant height and shelf life. Path coefficient analysis revealed that traits like number of flowers per plant, fresh weight of flowers, plant height, number of primary branches per plant and the lifespan of flowering had positive effects on flower yield per plant. Hence, selection for these traits would be effective for flower yield in French marigold.