Assessment of quantitative genetic variability and character association in maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

The study was conducted for the analysis of variance, heritability, genetic advance, the coefficient of variation, correlation coefficient and path analysis. The present investigation consists of 10 genotypes of Maize, including 1 check. Highly significant variation was obtained for all character studies. The values of PCV were higher than that of GCV for all the characters. High heritability observed in anthesis-silking interval, grain yield per plant, plant height, cob height, days to maturity and grain row per cob, days, while other characters showed moderate heritability. The high genetic advance is observed in grain yield per plant. All characters showed a low genetic advance as the percentage of the mean, indicating the role of non-additive gene action. The present study revealed that grain yield per plant was positive significantly correlated with 100 grains weight and cobs per plant. The path analysis results showed the positive direct effect on grain yield was exhibited by days to 50% tasseling, day to 50 percent silking, plant height, cob height, days to maturity, cob length, cob girth and 100 seed weight. Therefore, indirect selection can be exercised upon these traits for yield improvement in Maize.