Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of Some Quantitative Characters in Canola Oil (Brassica napus L.).

BOTH GENOTYPIC and phenotypic correlation coefficient forsome quantitative characters considered of yield and quality
were studied in experimental farm, Environment Studies and Research Institute, Minufiya University at Sadat city,
Minufiya Governorate, Egypt, during (2009/2010) and (2010/2011). Seven accessions of (Brassica napus L.) were studied. The results showed that a wide range of genetic variation existed among all studied traits over all varieties in both studied years. Genotypic correlation coefficient analysis revealed that seed yield per plant were positively and highly significant. correlated with number of siliquas per plant (0.99,0.95), number of seeds per siliquas (0.95,0.95),
number of secondary branches per plant (0.87,0.96) and number of primary branches per plant (0.80, 0.96) in both seasons, respectively. However negative correlation with days to 50%flowering (-0.49, -0.29) in both seasons,
respectively. Also non-significantly associated with oil content and 1000 seed weight in the second year were found. The path coefficient analysis showed the major role of indirect effects for almost studied characters on seed yield
traits. So number of siliquas per plant followed number of seeds per siliqua, number of secondary branches and number of primary branches are the best criteria for yield improvement in rapeseed by selection program.