Correlation and Path Analysis of Agronomic Traits and Their Impact on Kernel Yield in (F2) Hybrids of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the third most-produced cereal, vital for food and industrial purposes. This project assessed major morphological characteristics' direct and indirect influence on maize kernel yield through path coefficient analysis. The thirty maize hybrids were tested in two locations within Garmian Region of Iraq (Kalar and Khanaqeen), and a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates in each region was used. Out of the nine agronomic trait's kernel yield (KY), focus was placed on days to 50% tasseling (DTT), days to 50% silking (DTS), plant height (PH), ear height (EH), ear length (EL), number of Kernels per row (NKPR) and kernel Yield. The findings indicated that DTS had a highly significant negative correlation with kernel yield in both locations. The correlation values were -0.563 (-0.475) in Kalar (Khanaqeen). This indicates that delayed silking correlates with a reduced yield, which could be associated with the inability of the process irrespective of the soil and climatic conditions. The positive correlation between Ear Length (EL) and kernel yield was strong at 0.477 in Kalar and 0.432 in Khanaqeen. If the reasons anticipated were true, then the fact that long ear means more kernels would be the reason behind path analyses where it was found out that EL was the one with the highest positive direct impact on kernel yield, with Kalar having 0.1875 and Khanaqeen 0.529. Path coefficients also showed that the value of the coefficient of the pathway between DTS and yield was the most negative, standing at -0.469 in Kalar and -0.554 in Khanaqeen. These findings highlight the need to breed maize varieties that silk earlier and with well-developed ear traits. Furthermore, hybrids with shorter than normal periods of silking and longer ears can enhance maize production even in times of environmental stress.