Genotypic correlations of morpho-agronomic traits in papaya and implications for genetic breeding

Abstract

It is essential to study the correlations between traits of genetic breeding, principally, when selection for a trait is impaired by low heritability or difficulties with measurement and identification. This study aimed to estimate genotypic correlations among 15 morpho-agronomic traits in papaya. Results indicated that early selection for greater stem diameter (SD) can result in more productive plants. Although correlations between normal flowers and commercial fruits, estimated in the same period of evaluation, cannot be recommended for the selection procedures, the correlations between deformed flowers and carpelloid and pentandric fruits are reliable enough to be used in the selection procedures if measured in the same period. Deformed flowers and sexual reversion affect the commercial fruit yield, indicating the need for the development of segregating generations for selection in the main producing regions of Brazil.