Association and path analysis for yield components and quality traits in rice (Oryza Sativa L.)

Abstract

The present investigation was aimed at estimating correlation and path coefficients using observations on 22 yield components and quality characters in thirty rice (Oriza sativa L.) genotypes. The genotypes were evaluated in RBD and ANOVA results revealed the highly significant mean sum of squares among the genotypes for all the characters. Correlation analysis revealed that grain yield showed highly significant and positive correlation with flag leaf length, number of grains per panicle, 100 grain weight, 100 kernel weight, kernel length after cooking and kernel elongation ratio. Path coefficient analysis revealed that 100 grain weight, 100 kernel weight after cooking, hulling%, number of grains per panicle and flag leaf length exerted high positive direct effect on grain yield and 100 grain weight, grain weight per panicle had negative direct effect towards grain yield. These relationships may be helpful in crop improvement, if selection favours high grain yield then the remaining characters which are positively associated will be automatically improved. The path-coefficient analysis helps to understand the causal factor better, because it divides total effects of paired traits into direct and indirect effects via other characters. These characters could be utilized as indices of selection for future breeding programme.