Correlation analysis for growth and yield traits in chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev)

This study was conducted at the Horticultural Research Center, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut (U.P.), during 2022-2024 to evaluate the genotypic and phenotypic correlations of fourteen floral and vegetative traits in two small-flowered chrysanthemum cultivars, Pithika and Daali. These cultivars were treated with varying doses of gamma radiation (5-30 Gy from Cobalt-60) and ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS: 0.05%-30%) to induce genetic variability. Observations across M1V1 and M1V2 generations revealed significant genotypic and phenotypic associations among morphological traits. In both generations, Pithika exhibited strong positive correlations between survival percentage, plant height, stem diameter, and other yield-contributing characters. Conversely, Daali often displayed negative correlations, particularly between survival and early flowering traits. Traits such as leaf length, branch number, and flower yield per plant showed substantial interdependence. Notably, days to first bud initiation and flowering had significant negative correlations with flower number and diameter. These findings underscore the importance of component trait analysis in selecting high-yielding chrysanthemum genotypes and provide a foundation for strategic breeding programs.