Pattern of variability, character association and path analysis in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Variability, correlation and path analysis were worked out for ten characters from the study of fifty genotypes of bread wheat collected form India and Mexico under irrigated conditions. Variability was high for traits like spikes per plant and grain yield per plant, which could be exploited in selection of superior genotypes. Less influence of environment was observed for characters like days to flowering, days to maturity and plant height. Grain yield recorded high GCV but showed low heritability and genetic advance. Spikes per plant, grains per spike, plant height- and harvest index showed significant positive correlation with grain yield, whereas, spikes per plant and grains per spikes showed high positive direct effect on grain yield. The study suggested that spikes per plant, grains per spike and harvest index must be given perference in selection along with optimum plant height arid dciys to floweririg to select superior types under irrigated conditions in wheat.