Path coefficient is a useful technique in perennial plant breeding. Direct and indirect effects of five growth related vegetative traits, over the main heart-of-palm yield components from King palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae Wendl. & Drude) were estimated by path analysis. Harvesting data from 238 (three-year old) plants cultivated in an experiment carried out at Pariquera-Açu, São Paulo State, Brazil, were utilized. A casual diagram was established, and linear and simple standardized correlations were estimated in order to identify the interrelations between dependent and independent variables. Spear length showed small and negative direct and indirect effects, with low contribution to superior genotypes selection, although of practical importance to determine adequate harvesting timing for maximal economical value in this palm. The highest magnitude was found for plant height, with positive and significant direct and indirect effects, explaining 85% of the total yield. Plant diameter, leaf number and leaf size presented direct effects of low magnitude, although positive, should be considered only for selection indices establishment.
Archontophoenix alexandrae; agronomic characters; genetic improvement; path coefficient
