Genetic Variability, Correlation, and Path Coefficient Analysis in Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) Genotypes

A field experiment was carried out during the 2022–2023 growing season to assess 12 cauliflower genotypes (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) sourced from the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Vegetables. Eleven agronomic traits were evaluated to estimate genetic variability, heritability, correlation, and path coefficients in relation to yield. Analysis of variance indicated highly significant differences (P<0.01) among the genotypes for all traits studied. For every trait, the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), highlighting environmental influence. High genetic variability was observed for traits such as yield per plot, net curd weight, curd compactness, and curd size. Heritability estimates exceeded 60% for all traits, with all showing high heritability and high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean, except for crude diameter. Correlation analysis showed strong genotypic and phenotypic associations between yield and traits like plant height, plant spread, stalk length, curd diameter, gross and net curd weights, curd compactness, and ascorbic acid content. Path coefficient analysis revealed that net curd weight, curd diameter, and curd compactness had the most substantial direct positive effects on yield.