Abstract：Correlation and path analysis was carried on the main agronomic characters and yield of seven
seed lotus（Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn） cultivars. The results showed that the degree of correlation between eleven
major characters and yield was：receptacle number＞receptacle diameter＞single fresh seed weight＞single fresh
receptacle weight＞average carpel number＞fresh seed width＞seed setting rate＞petiole diameter＞fresh seed
length＞leaf long radius＞petiole height. Among them，receptacle number，receptacle diameter and single fresh
seed weight were significant or very significant positive correlation with seed lotus yield. Based on the path analysis
results，receptacle number，single fresh receptacle weight，seed setting rate and average carpel number had
direct effect on seed lotus yield. The receptacle diameter，fresh seed length，fresh seed width，petiole diameter
had indirect effect on yield. Other characters like petiole height，leaf long radius and single fresh seed weight had
both direct and indirect effects on seed lotus yield. Based on the above analysis，the principle breeding objectives
were to improve the receptacle numbers，single fresh receptacle weight，average carpel number and seed setting
rate per unite area. And the secondary objectives were increasing the receptacle diameter，single fresh seed weight
and well coordinating the relationship between them.
