Path Coefficient Analysis in Ethiopian Noug (<i>Guizotia abyssinica</i> Cass.)

Abstract

Noug (Guizotia abyssinica (L. f.) Cass., 2n=30), a member of the Compositae family is grown as an oil seed crop in Ethiopia. The crop grows best on poorly drained heavy clay soils. Successful breeding of G. abyssinica Cass. for high seed yield and oil content requires knowledge about the traits that influence seed yield and oil content directly and indirectly. This study was undertaken to examine the interrelationships for several agronomic traits to find out the major direct and indirect contributors to seed. yield and oil content through path coefficient analyses. Eighty-one noug accessions were grown at Adet, Ethiopia. Path coefficient analyses revealed that capitula per plant and 1000 seed weight had highest positive direct effect on seed yield per plant.· Thousand seed weight had highest positive direct effects on oil ' content. To improve seed yield breeders should concentrate on capitula per plant, and 1000 seed weight. On the other hand, to improve oil content, 1000 seed weight and seeds per capitulum had positive direct effects on oil content.

Key words: Ethiopia, germplasm, Guizotia abyssinica Cass., oilseed, path analysis