Studies on heritability, correlation and path analysis in maize (Zea mays L.).

A study was carried out at Maize Research Station, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan during 2007-08 to determine the various parameters of genetic variability, and nature of interrelationships among traits affecting maize grain yield. Ten local maize inbred lines were crossed to three testers (F-107, F-131 and F-165) to develop 30 progenies. The parents, testers and crosses were evaluated in RCBD with three replications. Analysis of variability parameters revealed presence of substantial variability for all traits studied. Grain yield, ear length, ear height, 100-seed weight and ear diameter had high GCV estimates with high heritability. Genetic advance was higher for plant height, ear length, grains per row and grain yield. Genotypic correlation coefficient revealed that ear diameter, 100-grain weight, ear length, rows per ear and grains per row significantly correlated with grain yield. Path analysis revealed that highest direct effect on grain yield was exhibited by 100-grain weight followed by grains per row, kernel rows per ear, ear length and ear diameter. Most of the traits exerted their positive indirect effects through 100seed weight, kernel rows per ear and grains per row.