Correlation and Path Analysis of Main Agronomic Characters and Yield of Seed Lotus

Correlation and path analysis was carried on the main agronomic characters and yield of seven seed lotus(Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn) cultivars. The results showed that the degree of correlation between eleven major characters and yield was:receptacle numberreceptacle diametersingle fresh seed weightsingle fresh receptacle weightaverage carpel numberfresh seed widthseed setting ratepetiole diameterfresh seed lengthleaf long radiuspetiole height. Among them,receptacle number,receptacle diameter and single fresh seed weight were significant or very significant positive correlation with seed lotus yield. Based on the path analysis results,receptacle number,single fresh receptacle weight,seed setting rate and average carpel number had direct effect on seed lotus yield. The receptacle diameter,fresh seed length,fresh seed width,petiole diameter had indirect effect on yield. Other characters like petiole height,leaf long radius and single fresh seed weight had both direct and indirect effects on seed lotus yield. Based on the above analysis,the principle breeding objectives were to improve the receptacle numbers,single fresh receptacle weight,average carpel number and seed setting rate per unite area. And the secondary objectives were increasing the receptacle diameter,single fresh seed weight and well coordinating the relationship between them.