Genetic variability, correlation studies and path analysis in S2 progenies derived from twodiverse populations in maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

The present investigation has been undertaken to estimate the genetic variability, correlation coefficient and pathanalysis among 90 crosses for 13 characters during rabi 2017­18 using Augmented design­II. Phenotypic coefficient ofvariation (PCV)were comparatively higher than that of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV)and is found in highermagnitude for traits like, grain yield, 100 grain weight, number of kernels per row and cob lengthwhich represents considerablevariability and offers scope for genetic improvement through selection. High heritability and high GAM were observed fornumber of kernels per row and cob length while, high heritability and moderate genetic advance as per cent mean (GAM)estimates were shown by brown husk maturity,100­grain weight. Grain yield was significantly and positively correlatedwith 100­grain weight of magnitude, cob length, number of kernels per row, number of kernel rows per coband brown huskmaturityat genotypic level. Path coefficient analysis at genotypic level depicts characters viz., days to 50 per cent tasseling,brown husk maturity, plant height, cob length, cob girth, shelling percentage and 100­grain weight had positive direct effecton grain yield per hectare indicating that selection for these traits results in more grain yield