Variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis in Maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes in Baitadi, Nepal

Pratima Pahadi; Manoj Sapkota

Pratima Pahadi Gokuleshowar Agriculture and Animal Science, Tribhuvan University, Baitadi, Nepal Postal code: 10202, Nepal
Manoj Sapkota Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Tribhuvan University, Chitwan, Nepal Postal code: 44209, Nepal

Keywords: Correlation, maize, Zea mays, path coefficient, variability

Abstract

Six maize genotypes were evaluated in three replicated randomized block from July-October, 2015 to assess the association among yield components, correlation and variability. Days to tasseling (DTT), days to silking (DTS), days to pollen shed anthesis (DTPSA), ear height (EH), ear length (EL), ear circumference (EC), silk length (SL), plant height (PH), number of kernels row per ear (NKRPE) and number of kernels per row (NKPR) and grain yield per plant (GYPP) were recorded. The genotypes significantly differed in all traits except EH and GYPP. EH (0.222), SL (0.189), PH (0.304), EC (0.419), NKRPE (0.310) and NKPR (0.399) had positive correlation with grain yield per plant. Similarly, DTT (-0.185), DTS (-0.324) and EL (-0.150) had negative correlation with GYPP. Path coefficient analysis showed that NKRPE (0.752) had highest positive and direct contribution on GYPP followed by DTT (0.385), PH (0.351), NKPR (0.298), SL (0.071) and EL (0.044). DTS (-1.384) had highest direct negative effect on GYPP followed by EH (-0.393) and EC (-0.136). The phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation for all characters; difference of which was high in SL and EH indicating these traits are affected by environment as well. NKRPE, NKPR, DTT, DTS, PH, SL and EL had highest positive direct contribution on grain yield, which are the pre-requisites for attaining improvement in yield of maize genotypes.

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