Correlation and Path Coefficient Studies for Grain Yield and Yield Components in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

The current research was conducted with an objective to study the correlation between different traits and path coefficient analysis in rice. Four CMS lines were crossed with eight elite restorers in a Line × Tester design and the resultant 32 hybrids were evaluated along with the parents and two checks in a randomized block design with three replications during the rabi season of 2022. The data was collected on 13 quantitative characters. The results revealed that there is a significant variability in the material studied. The character association studies indicated that the trait, grain yield per plant had significant positive genotypic correlation with panicle length, number of productive tillers per plant, number of grains per panicle, 1000 grain weight, 50% flowering, plant height, kernel length, kernel breadth and head rice recovery. The path analysis studies revealed that panicle length was the major contributor for grain yield per plant followed by plant height, number of grains per panicle, days to 50% flowering, 1000-grain weight, kernel length, number of productive tillers per plant, head rice recovery and kernel breadth. These characters showed direct positive effects for grain yield per plant. The above characters can be used directly as the selection criteria in rice yield improvement programmes.