Correlation and path analysis studies in kodo millet genotypes with relation to yield and yield attributing traits

Abstract

The first step in enhancing grain yield in kodo millet through genetic improvement is to focus on indirect selection of traits related to yield. Correlation studies with 38 kodo millet germplasm accessions revealed that the traits like fodder weight per plot (0.690), panicle length (0.610), flag leaf blade length (0.610), flag leaf blade width (0.572), days to physiological maturity (0.522), days to 50 percent flowering (0.511), plant height (0.427) and test weight (0.272) exhibited a highly significant and positive genotypic correlation with grain yield per earhead. A positive correlation implied that a rise in a single component characteristic would result in a higher grain production per earhead. Basal tiller number (-0.244) indicated a highly significant negative correlation. Path analysis indicated that among the correlated traits, flag leaf blade length (0.3377), flag leaf blade width (0.3319), days to 50 percent flowering (0.2985), fodder weight per plot (0.2675) and panicle length (0.246) reported highest positive direct effect. While, days to physiological maturity (-0.1554) showed negative direct effect on grain yield per earhead.