Correlation and Path Analysis in Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) for Growth and Yield Traits under Hill Zone of Karnataka, India

Aims: The present study aimed to identify key yield-contributing traits in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) through correlation and path coefficient analyses for use in effective selection and breeding programs. Study Design: The experiment was conducted using a Randomized Block Design with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the College of Horticulture, Mudigere, during summer 2022–23. Methodology: A total of 21 muskmelon genotypes were evaluated for fifteen growth and yield-related traits. Correlation analysis was performed to assess associations between traits and yield. Path coefficient analysis was used to partition direct and indirect effects of individual traits on fruit yield per vine. Results: Fruit yield per vine exhibited significant positive correlation with vine length, node count, internode length, total number of fruits per vine, fruit length, polar diameter, and average fruit weight. Among these, polar diameter and average fruit weight showed the strongest associations with yield. Traits such as days to first male and female flowering, male-to-female ratio, and node at first flower appearance were negatively associated with yield. Path coefficient analysis revealed that, at the genotypic level, polar diameter (1.390) and average fruit weight (0.831) exerted the highest positive direct effects on fruit yield, followed by number of nodes and total fruits per vine. At the phenotypic level, average fruit weight (0.830) and polar diameter (0.823) contributed most directly to yield, while traits such as internode length and male-to-female ratio exerted negative direct effects. Conclusion: Direct selection for average fruit weight, polar diameter, and fruit count per vine can effectively enhance fruit yield, making these traits key targets in muskmelon breeding programs.