Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis for Yield and Its Component Traits in Advanced Breeding Lines of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Aims: To evaluate correlation and path analysis for nine yield attributing traits across sixty advanced breeding lines. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in Alpha lattice design in 2 replications. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station in Maruteru during kharif, 2023 Methodology: Sixty advanced breeding lines of rice were evaluated for nine yield and its attributing traits. Correlation analysis, direct and indirect effects on grain yield per plant through path coefficient analysis were calculated. The traits examined included days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, panicle length, ear-bearing tillers per square meter, spikelet fertility, grains per panicle, test weight and grain yield per plant. Results: Correlation analysis revealed that plant height, ear-bearing tillers per square meter, panicle length, and grains per panicle exhibited significant positive correlations with grain yield per plant. This underscores the importance of these traits in contributing to improved yield outcomes. Path analysis results indicated that days to 50% flowering, ear-bearing tillers per square meter, panicle length, grains per panicle and test weight showed direct positive associations with grain yield per plant. Conclusion: These findings highlight the significance of these specific traits as key selection indicators in breeding programs aimed at enhancing yield. Overall, emphasizing these traits in breeding efforts is shown to lead to improvements in grain yield per plant, making them crucial targets for selection and improvement strategies in rice breeding programs.