Some Genetic Parameters and Path Coefficient of Three-Way Crosses in Maize

Abstract Correlation and path coefficient analysis were worked out for ten morphological traits in 30 three-way crosses of maize. Phenotypic and genotypic correlation analysis indicated that ear length; row numbers per ear, grain numbers per row, leaf area and leaves numbers had a positive significant correlation with grain yield per plant. Further partitioning of correlation coefficients into direct and indirect effects showed that traits days to silking, row numbers per row and leaves numbers had a positive direct effect on grain yield per plant. The traits ear length, grain numbers per row and leaf area had a maximum total effect on grain yield. Furthermore, PCA analysis has gave interested results and it supported the results of correlation and path analysis. The correlation and path analysis obviously indicated that direct selection based on these attributes may be useful in raising grain yield in maize.