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

An investigation was carried out on correlation and path analysis for 12 characters on 60 F1s obtained by crossing 20 inbred lines with three testers using line × tester mating design in maize. Sixty hybrids along with 23 parents and three standard checks were evaluated for twelve characters during rabi, 2012-13. The phenotypic character association among the yield components revealed positive association of grain yield per plant with days to maturity, plant height, ear height, ear length, ear girth, number of kernel rows per plant, number of kernels per row, 100- kernel weight and shelling percentage. Grain yield per plant negatively correlated with days to 50 per cent tasseling and days to 50 per cent silking. The path coefficient analysis at phenotypic level revealed that character, 100-kernel weight (0.2863) exhibites the largest direct effect on grain yield per plant followed by number of kernels per row (0.2509) and ear girth (0.2202. Further, days to 50 per cent tasseling, days to 50 per cent silking and days to maturity recorded negative direct effect on grain yield.

Studies on Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance Estimates in Newly Developed Maize Genotypes (Zea Mays L.).

The present study was carried out at Research farm, College of Agriculture, ANGRAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during kharif, 2011 to determine the various parameters of genetic variability, broad sense heritability and genetic advance estimates in newly developed 65 maize genotypes. Analysis of variance revealed that the mean sum of squares due to genotypes showed significant differences for all the 11 characters studied. High to moderate estimates of GCV and PCV were recorded for Grain yield, number of kernels per row, 100-kernel weight, ear length and plant height which represents considerable variability and offers scope for genetic improvement through selection. Grain yield, number of kernels per row, 100-kernel weight, ear length and ear height had high GCV estimates with high heritability. Moderate estimates of genetic advance with high heritability was recorded for Grain yield, number of kernels per row, 100-kernel weight, ear length, ear height and plant height which further leads to improvement of traits under selection. Thus provides better opportunities for selecting plant material for these traits in maize breeding program.