Vol. 12, Special Issue 8 (2023)

This study was conducted to explore the connections between different traits of Apple crops and their impact on yield within the Mandi district in the year 2021. The findings from the analysis of path coefficients indicated that the factor with the strongest direct positive influence (0.535) on yield per plant was the quantity of fruits per branch. This suggests that prioritizing the enhancement of this trait, specifically total fruits per branch, would yield the most favorable outcome in terms of increased yield. Following closely were the factors of total flowers per branch (0.175) and annual shoot growth (0.104), both of which also demonstrated direct positive effects on yield. Furthermore, the study revealed that the total flowers per branch exhibited the highest positive indirect effect on yield (0.504), operating through its influence on the total fruits per branch. On the other hand, the traits with less indirect contribution to apple yield were fruit weight and the leaves per branch. The study highlighted that the most crucial components impacting apple crop yield were the total fruits per branch, the total flowers per branch, and the tree girth. These traits should be the primary focus of a targeted breeding program aimed at enhancing the yield potential of apple crops.