Genetic variability, correlation and path co-efficients analyses of selected maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes

Twenty-five maize genotypes were evaluated at the experimental farm of Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh, during November 2016 to April 2017 to study the genetic variability, correlations, path co-efficient analysis for yield contributing characters. Analysis of variance for sixteen yield contributing and qualitative traits showed highly significant variations among the genotypes. Genetic analysis of the yield contributing traits showed higher phenotypic co-efficient of variation than genotypic co-efficient of variation indicating more environmental influence on the studied traits. Traits under study showed moderate to high heritability. Days to anthesis showed negative significant association with grain yield. Days to maturity exhibited highest correlation (r = 0.989) with grain yield followed by shoot lodging. Path co-efficient analysis exhibited that the husk girth had a maximum positive direct effect on grain yield followed by % moisture and kernels row ear-1. This experiment revealed that selection based on husk girth, ear length and kernel numbers row-1 would increase more grain for yield improvement. Yield was significantly associated with ear height (cm), ear girth (cm), husk girth (cm), kernels numbers row-1, number of kernels ear-1, 1000 seed weight (g) and negatively associated with plant height (cm) and days to maturity (days). Therefore, the research findings would be useful for proper identification and selection of traits for future breeding programs for improved grain yield of maize. Keywords: Maize (Zea mays L.), genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, yield associated traits, correlation, path co-efficient.