Department of Plant Breeding, Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur)-848 125.
Four hundred ninety five germplasm lines of wheat including two checks were grown during the rabi season of 1999–2000 at the research farm of RAU, Pusa, Bihar, Samastipur, to evaluate yield and yield attributing characters. Observations were recorded on grain yield per plant and six other characters. Correlation and path coefficient analyses were done to find out associations between characters and to assess the direct and indirect influence of each character on seed yield.
Large variation was observed for all the characters studied. Correlation and path coefficient analyses showed that number of productive tillers per plant, 1000 grain weight and number of grains per ear were major direct contributor to grain yield per plant. Based on the multiple regression coefficient of six quantitative traits taken, number of productive tillers per plant, number of grains per ear and 1000 grain weight were found to be significant contributors towards grain yield. Therefore, these characters should receive maximum attention while selecting high yielding plants in wheat breeding.
Correlation, Germplasm, Multiple regression, Path correlation, Selection criteria
