Genetic parameters and character association study for yield traits in maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

The study revealed highly significant differences for all the characters studied, indicating the presence of substantial genetic variability. The phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation (PCV and GCV) was high for days to 50% tasseling followed by kernel rows per year and 100 grains weight, respectively. Higher values of broad sense heritability were obtained for almost all the characters except days to 50% tasseling which is moderate. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was reported for plant height, grain yield per plant and ear height. However, correlation studies showed that grain yield per plant had significant phenotypic correlation with ear length, whereas, high positive direct effect on grain yield per plant was found to be highest for days to maturity followed by kernel rows per ear, grains per ear revealing that these are the major yield contributing traits in maize.