Genetic, phenotypic and environmental variances and character associations in Kenaf

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is an important food and livestock feed in Nigeria, which has hitherto been ignored in genetic improvement. Data obtained from evaluating fifty-seven diverse genotypes of Kenaf for two years in Samaru in the Nigerian Guinea Savanna ecological zone were used to study genetic variability and interrelationships between seed yield and its components. The results indicate a preponderance of genetic components of variance for seed yield, plant height, number of seeds per pod and 1000 seed weight indicating that selection for these traits should result in heritable improvements. Seed yield was found to be positively and significantly correlated with plant height, number of seeds per pod and 1000 seed weight. Significant and positive correlations were also obtained between plant height and number of capsules per plant and between 1000 seed weight and number of seeds per pod. The path-coefficient analysis indicates that number of seeds per pod and 1000 seed weight had the highest direct effects on seed yield. It is suggested that for a meaningful seed yield improvement programme, efforts should be directed towards the best balance between number of seeds per pod and 1000 seed weight.