Correlation and path analysis studies for yield and yield contributing traits in M3 population of rabi sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)

This study investigates the induction of desirable variability in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] through electron beam irradiation to enhance seed yield and its components. The experiment, titled “Genetic Variability and Correlation Studies for Morphophysiological Traits in M3 Generation of Mutagenized Population of Rabi Sorghum,” aims to evaluate variability, heritability, and correlations among traits in mutagenized populations. Rabi parental material TSG-98 (Muguthi) was subjected to electron beam doses (100 Gy, 200 Gy, 300 Gy, 400 Gy, and 500 Gy), resulting in 60 M3 generation mutants. Evaluated traits included days to flowering, plant height, and various yield components. Significant genetic variability was observed, with irradiated treatments outperforming controls in several traits. High heritability was noted for grain yield and associated traits, with correlation studies revealing positive associations between grain yield and plant height, panicle length, and fodder yield. Path analysis indicated direct positive effects of multiple traits on grain yield.