October 2013 Vol. 1 No. 3

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Odewale JO

Ahanon MJ

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Full Length Research Paper

Genotype by trait relations of yield and other physiological traits of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) hybrids based on GT biplot

¹Odewale J. O., ¹*Agho Collins, ¹Ataga C. D., ³Okolo E. C., ²Ikuenobe C. E. and ¹Ahanon M. J.

¹Plant Breeding Division, Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR).P.M.B.1030 300001, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
²Oil palm Research and Development Division, Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR).P.M.B.1030, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
³Coconut Research and Development Division, Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR)

*Corresponding Author E-mail: Collinsagho@yahoo.com

Accepted September 18, 2013
 

Abstract

Adequate knowledge of the interrelationships among physiological traits is essential in planning and evaluating breeding programmes for coconut improvement. The Genotype by Trait (GT) biplot can be used to compare cultivars on the basis of multiple traits and to identify cultivars that are particularly good in certain traits and therefore can be candidates for parents in plant breeding program. The objective of this study was to evaluate the coconut hybrids based on Genotype by Traits (GT) biplot to examine its usefulness in visualizing coconut trait relationship and its application in hybrids comparison. The GT biplot analysis revealed close associations among the physiological traits. Correlation coefficient between the studied traits showed that there is a strong positive relationship between number of fruit and number of bunches. These two traits were however negatively correlated with other traits except number of fronds. Based on the Auto Find QTL function of GGE biplot, bunch yield and width of leaflets were identified as traits suitable for indirect selection for nut yield improvement. H4 was identified as an ideal cultivar as it combines several good traits in its genetic composition and thus could serve as a good genetic raw material from which better cultivars, synthetic varieties and pure lines can be developed. H1 was the best in terms of nut and bunch yield, indicating that it can be used as parents in the development of variety hybrids and populations that are outstanding in these traits.

Keywords: Coconut, genotype by trait biplot, ideal cultivar and correlation coefficient.