Correlation Studies in Mesta Genotypes with Respect to Biophysical, Biochemical and Yield Parameters Contributing to Fibre Yield

Eleven genotypes of mesta were evaluated for correlation studies of biophysical, biochemical and yield parameters with fibre yield during Kharif 2002, at Main Agricultural Research Station, Dharwad. Significant correlation of above parameters was found with fibre yields. Fibre yield had significantly positive correlation with stomatal frequency on abaxial and adaxial surface, RWC, LIR, chlorophyll (a, b and total), plant height, stalk yield and fibre equivalent yield at harvest. Basal stem diameter, days to 50 per cent flowering, fibre recovery and seed oil per cent had positive and non-significant association with fibre yield. Whereas, phenols, tannins, sugars and seed yield had significantly and negative correlation with fibre yield. It could be concluded that stomatal frequency, RWC, LIR, leaf chlorophyll content may be considered as selection parameters for higher fibre yield in mesta genotypes.