Correlation and path coefficient analyses of dry weight yield components in the common sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.)

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) is a perennial forage crop with desirable properties adapted to temperate climate conditions. The purpose of this research was study the phenotypic correlation coefficients between dry yield and some morphological traits, identify direct indirect effects associated traits. Thus, 32 ecotypes (landraces) were assessed in randomized complete block design layout four replications. Positive statistically significant correlations determined total weight (TDW) all measured traits except for internode length (IL) [r=0.29, P>0.05]. Regarding variance inflation factor (VIF) as multicollinearity statistic, number nodes per main stem (VIF=1407.4) internodes (VIF=1371.6) removed from analysis. Path coefficient analyses indicated that leaflets leaf (NLL) [0.59 effect], height longest (HLS) [0.42 weight/fresh ratio (DFR) [0.27 effect] influenced by TDW first-order trait. Five considered secondary or tertiary affected - stems area (NPA), plant (NSP), leaves (LS), inflorescence (LI) weight/leaf (SLR). importance such height, leaves, can be used selection breeding programs aimed at improving common sainfoin under semi-arid