Path coefficient analysis of forage characteristics of elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum schum.)

The main goals of this work was to obtain estimates of phenotype, genotype and residual correlation coefficients and display genotype correlations in direct and indirect effects (path analysis) of height, diameter of stem at the base and number of tillers per meter (explanatory independent variables) on dry matter production (basic dependent variable) of elephantgrass clones in two harvest periods at conditions of northern Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Great differences among estimates in two harvest periods were observed, however it could be concluded that height of plants at cutting influenced dry matter production mainly in conditions of high tillering capable clones. Number of tillers per meter and diameter of stem explained better dry matter production potential, acting, respectively, in an direct and inverse way, alternating according to environmental conditions during growth.

genetic correlation; genetic breeding; clone; dry matter production