Path coefficient analysis in maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids

The present experiment consisting 49 maize genotypes was conducted in a randomized complete block design at BHU, Varanasi, and Agriculture farm site with two replicates. Path-coefficient analysis was estimated considering cob yield without husk per plot as dependent trait and the independent characters were seedling emergence%, days to 50% tasseling, days to 50% silking, plant height (cm), ear height (cm), yield with husk per plot (Kg/plot), number of cobs/plot, number of kernel rows per ear, number of kernels per row, ear length (cm), ear width (cm), total soluble solids %, green fodder weight/row (Kg/plot). The genotypic correlation coefficient estimates used to compute direct and indirect effects of thirteen traits on cob yield without husk/plot. Highest positive direct effects on cob yield without husk/plot was exhibited by green fodder weight/plot (2.25), ear width (1.25), plant height (0.70), seedling emergence% (0.61), days to silking (0.46), ear length (0.35), and number of kernels/row (0.25). According to this study, these traits can be used for selection of genotypes with improved yield.