Character association and cause-effect relationship for yield and its attributes in Rice genotypes under direct seeded condition

The present investigation was carried out to study the correlation and path analysis in thirty four genotypes of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Character association of the yield attributing traits revealed significant positive association of grain yield per plant with panicle length, number of tillers per plant, panicle length, panicle number per plant, number of grains per panicle and 1000 grain weight. Hence, selection for these traits can improve yield. The number of tillers per plant, filled grains per panicle, test weight, panicle length, total number of grains per panicle and days to maturity exhibited positive direct effect on yield. Among these characters, number of tillers per plant possessed both positive association and high direct effects. Hence, selection for this character could bring improvement in yield and yield components.