Genetic Variability and Correlations in Coconut

Nine coconut genotypes including six varieties and three hybrids were evaluated at Vellanikkara, Kerala, India. Economic characters showed high genotypic coefficient of variation. Heritability was high for petiole length, oil content and nut yield. Among the reproductive characters, female flowers showed maximum seasonal variation. Nut yield was correlated with both vegetative and reproductive characters. Copra yield, Oil yield and Oil content(%) were dependent on vegetative characters. Step-down regression also revealed the influence of vegetative characters on economic characters. Moreover, vegetative characters had higher direct effects than reproductive characters on economic characters. Correlation, regression and path analyses suggested that reproductive traits had less effect on economic characters due to genotype x season (year) interaction.