Correlation and path coefficient analysis for grain yield and yield components in rice (Oryza sativa L.) under aerobic condition

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during kharif season of year 2018 to study correlation and path coefficient analysis in 50 diverse rice genotypes under aerobic condition at Regional Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes for all the 12 characters studied. Correlation studies revealed that grain yield per plant had positive and significant association with spikelet fertility percent, 1000 grain weight, plant height and straw yield per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Hence, these characters should be given due consideration while applying selection for increasing yield. Results of path analysis indicated that the maximum direct effects as well as appreciable indirect effects were exerted by straw yield per plant, harvest index followed by spikelet fertility percent towards grain yield per plant. These characters also exhibited significant positive correlation with grain yield per plant. Therefore, selection pressure imposed on these characters would bring improvement in grain yield of rice.