Character association studies for quantitative traits in maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

The present investigation for studying correlations and path analysis estimates for grain yield and yield contributingcharacters in maize was carried out at Maize Research Centre and Seed Farm, Devihosur and analysis was carried out foreleven characters. Days to 50 per cent tasseling was significantly and positively correlated with days to 50 per cent silking andnegatively correlated with plant height, ear height, cob length, shelling percentage, hundred grain weight and grain yield. Daysto 50 per cent silking was significant and negatively correlated with plant height, ear height, shelling percentage and grain yield. Hundred grain weight exhibited significant positive association with plant height, ear height, cob length, cob girth, number ofkernel rows per ear, number of kernels per row and grain yield. The character grain yield showed significant and negativecorrelation with days to 50 per cent tasseling, days to 50 per cent silking and positive correlation with plant height, ear height,cob length, cob girth, number of kernel rows per cob, number of kernels per row and hundred grain weight. Path analysisrevealed that direct positive effects were shown by number of kernels per ear followed by cob length, days to fifty percenttasseling, ear height and cob girth. Negative direct effects were shown by days to fifty per cent silking, days to 75 per cent dryhusk, plant height, number of kernels per row and shelling percentage.