Assessment of different genetic parameters of variability, association of correlation coefficient and direct and indirect effects on yield in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Grain yield in maize is a complex trait influenced by numerous interrelated quantitative characters. Understanding the direct and indirect effects of these traits is essential for effective selection in breeding programmes. The present study was conducted on 42 genotypes (39 inbreds and 3 checks) during Rabi 2024 at AICRP on Maize, Kolhapur to investigate the different genetic parameters of variability, association of yield with its component traits using correlation and path coefficient analyses. Among all, traits cob weight showed the high (> 20%) phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation, whereas moderate (10% - 20%) phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation were seen in grain yield per plant, cob length, number of kernels per row, thousand kernel weight, cob width, protein percent, number of kernel rows per cob, plant height and cob height. while days to 50% tasseling and days to 50% silking exhibited relatively low (