Character association and path analysis studies of yield and quality parameters in Basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The present investigation is carried out to study the correlation and path analysis in twenty five genotypes of basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.). Character association of the yield attributing traits revealed significantly positive association of grain yield per plant with number of effective tillers per plant and spikelets per panicle. Hence, selection for these traits can improve yield. Path coefficient analysis revealed that effective tillers per plant, spikelets per panicle, test weight and kernel length exhibited positive direct effect on yield. Among these characters, number of effective tillers per plant and spikelets per plant possessed both positive association and high direct effects. Hence, selection for these characters could bring improvement in yield. Grain yield showed no correlation with most of the quality characters. There is negative correlation of amylose content with alkali spread value and these quality attributes had significant associations with panicle length and plant height.