ABSTRACT
Fifty one sugarcane genotypes were evaluated for morphological characters in Randomized block design (RBD) at CCS, Haryana Agricultural University Regional Research Station, Uchani, Karnal during 2018-19. The sufficient amount of genetic variability was observed for all the characters, indicated the appropriateness of the material selected for the present study. Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters representing more environmental impact on these characters for total variation. High heritability (broad sense) coupled with high genetic advance was observed for stalk length, NMC at harvest and cane yield. High heritability (broad sense) coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for cane yield, germination % at 45 days after planting (DAP), number of millable canes (NMC) at harvest, single cane weight, therefore, it indicates that simple selection will be effective for these traits. Genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficients for cane yield showed significant and positive relationship with number of tillers at 120 DAP, number of shoots at 240 DAP, cane diameter, single cane weight, NMC at harvest. These traits plays a greater role as important contributing characters for higher cane yield. The path coefficient analysis showed that maximum positive direct effect on cane yield was shown by NMC at harvest followed by single cane weight, stalk length, germination % at 45 DAP and number of shoots at 120 DAP. Therefore, in order to increase cane yield, effective selection can be accomplished for the characters having high direct effects.