Direction of association in growth, nut yield and its component traits in Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) genotypes

Cashew yield is influenced by complex interactions among morphological, reproductive and biochemical traits. This study employed genotypic path analysis to dissect the direct and indirect effects of 25 traits on nut yield using data from 2023-24 and 2024-25. Results revealed that tree height had a strong negative direct effect (–1.507) on yield, while trunk girth (1.004) and east-west canopy spread (0.780) exhibited significant positive direct effects. The number of nuts per panicle (0.661) emerged as the most influential reproductive trait, whereas nut weight (–0.949) showed a major trade-off with yield. Biochemical traits like kernel weight (0.937) and apple weight (0.535) had strong positive contributions, but total sugars (–0.468) negatively impacted yield. Indirect effects via compensatory pathways, such as trunk girth’s positive mediation through canopy spread, were critical in offsetting negative influences. The study highlights trunk girth, canopy spread, and nut number per panicle as key selection traits for yield improvement, while managing trade-offs linked to excessive vegetative growth or large nut size.