Correlation and path analysis in induced mutants of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

True breeding mutants of two improved wheat cultivars ‘CPAN 1922’ and ‘HPW (DL)30’ were grown in the M4 generation in an RBD with three replications. Estimates of variability, heritability and genetic advance as well as correlation coefficients and path coefficients were worked out for the mutants of each cultivar. Wide range of variability was observed for plant height, grains/spike and harvest index. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for grain yield. Grain yield showed positive association with tillers per plant, grains per spike, 100-grain weight and harvest index in the ‘CPAN 1922’ mutants, whereas 100-grain weight and harvest index did so in ‘HPW (DL) 30’ mutants. Path-analysis revealed the importance of harvest index, 100-grain weight and tillers per plant In the mutants of ‘CPAN 1922’ and 100-grain weight and harvest index in the mutants of ‘HPW (DL) 30’ for increasing the grain yield.