Abstract

Sixteen genotypes of guar were evaluated at five sites in Northern Kordofan State, Sudan in 1998/1999 rainy season. A 4×4 partially balanced lattice design with three replicates was used. Data were collected on yield and yield related characters. Genotypic and phenotypic correlations among these traits were determined. Days to 50% flowering was positively and significantly correlated with days to maturity at four locations. This indicates that days taken to maturity can be predicted by days taken to flowering. Seed yield per plant had significant positive phenotypic and genotypic correlations with number of fruiting nodes/main stem and number of reproductive branches per plant at three locations; number of pods per branch, number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod at two locations. On the other hand, seed yield per plant had significant negative phenotypic and genotypic association with days to 50% flowering at two sites, height to first pod at one location. Hence, breeding for high yielding guar cultivar can be made through selection for early flowering, low height to first pod, numerous reproductive branches and fruiting nodes per main stem, and high number of pods per plant and seeds per pod.

Key words: Guar, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, correlations, selection, Sudan.