Abstract

An experiment with four hybrids and one open pollinated maize variety was conducted to study the association of seven characters with grain yield by subjecting it to path coefficient analysis. Ear girth, kernel rows, 1000-seed weight, kemels per row and car length had significant and positive correlation with seed yield. Ear length and ear girth play major role in deciding grain yield since they had inter-conclation with other yield contributing characters. High and positive direct effects were observed for kernel rows and 1000-seed weight. Considerable indirect effect of most of the yield contributing characters through kemel rows was observed. Hence, ear girth and kernel rows should be given more importance while formulating selection indices for yield improvement in maize.

Keywords: Maize, correlation, path analysis, grain yield