Studies on character association and path analysis studies for yield, grain quality and nutritional traits in F₂ population of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Rice is a major cereal crop from the consumption point of view, dietary energy and nutrition source for more than half of the world’s population. Rice is rich in starch but deficient in major micronutrients. Present experiment consists of F₂ mapping population for high grain zinc content, with 312 entries studied for 15 different traits. Correlation study indicated that, grain zinc and iron content were significant and positive. So there is a scope for simultaneous improvement of both traits. Grain yield per plant showed a non-significant and negative association with zinc and iron content. Plant height, total tillers per plant, the number of effective tillers per plant, panicle length, 1000 grain weight, fertile grains per panicle, kernel breadth, L/B ratio has significant and positive correlation and positive direct effects with grain yield per plant.