Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources

In the present investigation, 22 genotypes of maize were evaluated in RBD with two replications to estimate genetic variability and genetic association and the analyzing path between dependant and independent variables for 13 quantitative characters. Estimates of both phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were high for ear height. High heritability coupled with high expected genetic advance as a percent of mean was observed for the traits viz., ear height, 100 kernel weight, tassel length, kernels per row, ear length, kernel rows per ear, and plant height. Association studies revealed a significant and positive correlation of grain yield per plant with shelling percentage at both phenotypic and genotypic levels and with ear diameter, kernel rows per ear and kernels per row at the genotypic level only. Genotypic path analysis revealed that days to 50% pollen shed had the highest positive direct effect, and days to 50% silk had the highest negative direct effect on grain yield per plant. Ear diameter, kernel rows per ear, and kernels per row were identified as primary yield determinants in the early inbred progenies of maize under study. The selection of plants for these traits will enhance grain yield.