Correlation analysis in S1 lines of local maize (Zea mays. L) germplasms for grain yield and its attributes

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to study the relationship between grain yield and its components in thirteen maize genotypes comprising of ten S1 lines derived from local maize germplasm and three hybrid varieties. Yield is a complex quantitative trait which is highly influenced by environmental factors. Plant selection for yield is therefore difficult. There are certain other traits in maize which are relatively highly heritable and less affected by environment. Identification and association of such traits through studies on genetic correlation helps the breeders to exercise indirect plant selection for grain yield. The experiment consisted of two trials with the same set of genotypes in two different nitrogen levels, viz., 80 kg N ha-1 and 0 kg N ha-1. At N0 level, grain yield had significant correlation with plant height, ear height, ear length, kernel rows per ear, kernels per row, 100 kernel weight, days to 50% pollen-shed and days to 50% silk at genotypic level. At N80 level, grain yield showed positive and significant correlation with plant height, ear height, ear length, ear diameter, kernels per row, 100 kernel weight and days to 75% dry husk at genotypic level.