Summary: | The extent of genetic variability, heritability, correlation coefficient and path analysis were analyzed for opium yield, seed yield and eight component traits in a group of 101 germplasm lines of different ecogeographical origin. Heritability was high for all the characters except capsules/plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance and coefficient of variability was noticed for capsule weight/plant, capsule area, husk yield/plant, seed yield/plant, opium yield/plant and leaves/plant. Opium yield, seed yield, husk yield and capsule weight exhibited positively significant correlation among themselves and these four characters had also positive significant genotypic correlation with plant height, branches/plant, capsules/plant, capsule area and leaves/plant. Path coefficient analysis indicated that capsule weight/plant had highest direct path towards opium yield (2.267) followed by capsules/plant (0.291), capsule area (0.203), plant height (0.155) and leaves/plant (0.101). Considering the direct and indirect selection of major contributors, a plant type in opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) based on multiple selection index has been discussed to enhance opium yield on one hand and dual purpose varieties (opium and seed yield) on the other hand.
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