Correlation and Path Analysis in F₂ Populations of Two Crosses of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Correlation co-efficients among grain yield and its seven attributing traits were estimated in two F₂ populations of rice. The study revealed significant positive correlation of total tillers per plant, productive tillers per plant, panicle length and grains per panicle with grain yield. Hence, the above correlated traits can be effectively utilized in formulating indirect selection schemes. Path analysis indicated maximum positive direct effect of productive tillersper plant followed by grains per panicle on grain yield, while panicle length exhibited low positive direct effect on grain yield. Further, most of the other traits also exhibited positive indirect effect via plant height, total tillers per plant in both the crosses but negetive indirect effect via days to panicle emergence and 1000-grain weight. Selection of plants based on number of grains per panicle with maximum productive tillers is likely to yield productive desirable segregants in these populations.