Genetic variability, correlation and path analysis in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes for yield and its attributing traits

Abstract

Forty-five bread wheat genotypes were evaluated for genetic variability, correlation and path analysis to identify the traits associated with grain yield. The experimental material was sown in randomized block design (RBD) in three replications and studied fourteen different traits. Among all the traits, moderate values of GCV and PCV were recorded for number of spikelets per main spike and number of effective tillers per plant, whereas most of the traits observed with lower values of GCV and PCV. High heritability coupled with moderate genetic advance as percent mean was observed for days to 50% heading, days to maturity, plant height, number of effective tillers per plant, length of main spike, number of spikelets per main spike and grain yield per plant. Correlation and path analysis studies revealed that, four character like number of effective tillers per plant, biological yield per plant, harvest index and number of spikelets per main spike are the most important characters as these exhibited positive and strong association and maximum positive direct effects on grain yield.