Indirect selection for various yield attributing characters of maize hybrids across environments using correlation and path analysis

Abstract

The efficiency of selection can be broadened for certain traits using estimates of genetic parameters, which are fundamental for plant breeding. Selections of Maize (Zea mays) hybrid cultures using yield attributing characters are essential to ensure least deviation from mean yield while going for multi-location recommendations. In this study 23 maize hybrids were taken for evaluation using randomized block design with three replications. Hybrids were grown across three environments and their pooled performance is taken for observations. Ten morphological characters are taken for correlation and path analysis studies. The studies revealed both direct and indirect effects of attributing characters towards yield in which number of leaves, cob placement height, 50% tasselling, days to maturity showed indirect effect whereas ear length, number of kernels per row, number of kernels per ear, 100 seed weight, plant height showed direct effect. The highest direct effect on grain yield was shown by number of kernels per ear and 100 seed weight, hence indirect selection based on KPE and SW for gains in grain yield can be performed to select suitable hybrids across environments with varying climate. Residual effect in path analysis confirmed that these characters considerably contributed to yield with only a negligible effect of environment.