Correlation and path coefficient analysis for quantitative traits of oat (Avena sativa L.) genotypes in the central highlands of Ethiopia.

At two locations in the central highlands of Ethiopia, 120 oat genotypes were evaluated using randomised complete block designs with three replications. The results showed significant positive phenotypic and genotypic correlations of forage dry matter yield (FDMY) with leaf length at forage harvest (LLFH), plant height at forage harvest (PHFH), forage yield production rate (FYPR), plant height at grain harvest (PHGH), panicle length at grain harvest (PLGH), number of spikes per panicle (NSPP), biological yield production rate (BYPR), grain sink filling rate (GSFR) and grain yield (GY). Likewise, GY had significant positive phenotypic and genotypic correlations with FYPR, FDMY, NSPP, BYPR, GSFR and harvest index (HI). The direct and indirect effects of yield-related traits on yield were also determined using path coefficient analysis and the results indicated that FYPR, PHFH, BYPR, GSFR and number of leaves at forage harvest (NLFH) had positive direct effects on FDMY at phenotypic and genotypic levels. Similarly, NLFH, NSPP, BYPR, HI and PLGH also had positive direct effects on GY at phenotypic and genotypic levels. Among the studied traits, FYPR showed significant positive association with FDMY coupled with high direct effect on FDMY at phenotypic and genotypic levels. Moreover, the indirect effects of most studied traits on FDMY were positive via FYPR. The BYPR and HI had high direct effects on GY coupled with their significant positive associations with GY at phenotypic and genotypic levels. The indirect effects on GY were high and positive for most studied traits via mainly BYPR. Therefore, breeders should give due attention to FDMY along with FYPR during selection to improve fodder yield and also to GY along with BYPR and HI to increase grain yield productivity in oat genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]