Character Association and Path Analysis in Maize(Zea mays L.)

An investigation was carried out on correlation and path analysis for 11 characters of maize on 45 F 1 S generated through half diallel fashion, their 10 parents along with two standard checks raised during rabi, 2008-09. Plant height, ear height, ear girth, number of kernel rows per ear, number of kernels per row and 100 grain weight showed positive and significant correlation coefficients with grain yield at genotypic level . While days to 50% tasseling and days to 50% silking recorded negative and significant association with yield. All other possible correlations were positive and significant. Path analysis revealed that ear girth exerted maximum positive direct effect followed by 100 grain weight, number of kernels per row, plant height and number of kernel rows per ear on grain yield. Ear girth registered positive indirect effect on yield via ear girth, number of kernel rows per ear, number of kernels per row, 100 grain weight and plant height. Different yield related traits influenced the yield not only through their direct effects but also through indirect contributions.