Genetic Variability, Trait Association, and Path Analysis Studies for Nut Yield and Yield-Related Traits in Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.)

This study was carried out to determine the genetic variability and the relationship between twenty traits for nut yield in fourteen cashew genotypes. The genotypes show considerable variation, and nut yield tree-1 had the highest genotypic coefficient of variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation. The number of nuts panicle-1, kernel weight and nut yield tree-1 all had substantial heritability and genetic advance in percent of mean. Plant height, canopy spread, leaf size, flowering intensity, length of inflorescence, percentage fruit set, number of nuts panicle-1, nut weight, shell thickness, kernel weight, apple weight and TSS of juice all showed a significant positive association with nut yield tree-1. Path analysis revealed that the main factors influencing nut yield tree-1 were canopy spread (east-west direction), apple weight, length of the inflorescence and the number of nuts panicle-1. The information on these statistical metrics would be useful in identifying genotypes with greater yield potential that can be used in the cashew improvement program.