Trait Association and Path Coefficient Analysis of Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme)

Background: Cherry tomato [Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme] is a distinctive table-purpose tomato cultivated for its distinct characteristics, such as small size, attractive colour, variation in shape and flavour. Understanding the relationships between yield and its component traits is essential for effective selection and genetic improvement of this crop.Aim: The present study was undertaken to determine the genotypic and phenotypic correlations of yield per plant with its component traits and to partition them into direct and indirect effects to identify key traits for effective selection and yield improvement.Study Design: Randomised block design (RBD).Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, during 2025–2026.Methodology: Six parents, their 15 F1 hybrids obtained through half-diallel mating, and the check Goldie were evaluated in three replications. Observations were recorded on 11 growth and yield traits. Genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficients among the traits were calculated to assess the relationship between yield and its component traits. Path coefficient analysis was performed to partition the genotypic correlations of yield per plant into direct and indirect effects.Results: Genotypic correlation coefficients were generally higher than the corresponding phenotypic coefficients. Yield per plant showed significant positive genotypic correlations with fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit girth, fruit length, fruits per cluster, flower clusters per plant and pericarp thickness. Path analysis revealed strong positive direct effects of fruits per plant and fruit weight on yield, whereas fruit girth, fruits per cluster and pericarp thickness had negative direct effects. Conclusion: Fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit girth, fruit length, fruits per cluster, flower clusters per plant and pericarp thickness may therefore be considered important selection criteria when selecting genotypes for yield improvement in cherry tomato.