R. Bras. Zootec.01/May/2011;40(5):972-7.
Correlation and path coefficient analyses of seed yield components in the bahia grass (Paspalum notatum Flügge var. notatum)
DOI: 10.1590/S1516-35982011000500005
The objective of this work was, through a path analysis of seed yield in Paspalum notatum, to obtain basic information for using in management strategies to improve seed production and consequently, high natural reseeding and a better persistence of the species in the pasture. The following variables were analyzed: number of vegetative tiller, number of reproductive tiller, number of raceme/inflorescence, number of seeds/inflorescence, weight of 1000 seeds and seed yield. The most correlated variable with seed yield was the number of reproductive tiller (r = 0.94), and this occurred because its direct effect. Among the other variables, number of vegetative tiller also had a high correlation coefficient (r = -0.83) and indirect effects on the other components. The number of reproductive tiller seems to be the main characteristic to be considered when searching for a higher seed production in Paspalum notatum.