Targeting of traits through assessment of interrelationship and path analysis between yield and yield components for grain yield improvement in single cross hybrids of maize (Zea mays L.).

In an attempt to study the association of different quantitative traits in improving grain yield in maize hybrids, correlation and path studies were conducted between yield and yield contributing characters. Association studies revealed that, ten out of fifteen characters exhibited highly significant positive correlation with yield per plant. However, the highest correlation was evident for number of kernels per row (rp= 0.8784**). While, the traits viz., days to 50 per cent silking and days to 50 per cent tasseling displayed highly significant negative correlation with yield per plant. Path analysis revealed that, eight traits exerted positive direct effects on yield per plant. However, the trait cob length exerted maximum positive direct effect on grain yield per plant. On contrary, some of the characters viz., days to 50 per cent silking, anthesis-silking interval, leaf area index, days to 50 per cent maturity, SPAD chlorophyll and number of branches per tassel exerted negative direct effects on yield per plant. The present study revealed that, direct selection for number of kernels per row, cob length, cob girth and 100-seed weight might be rewarding for the improvement of yield using the present elite inbreds and their F1 hybrids.