Genetic variability, correlation and path analysis for yield and its attributes in sweet corn (Zea mays L. Var. saccharata)

Assessment of genetic variability is very essential for breeding programs aimed at the improvement of a desirable trait. The present investigation was carried out with 14 inbreeds along with 04 checks evaluated in RBD design with three replications during Kharif 2024. Due to few composites and hybrids the sweet corn cultivation to limited to small areas in India which necessitated the importance of developing sweet corn hybrids to meet the market demands with consumer preferences. Analysis of variance among sweet corn genotypes revealed that all yield and yield-related traits were significant. Higher mean value in the desirable direction for most of the traits under consideration was depicted by Misthi & CMVL Sweet Corn 1 checks and genotypes viz., SSCML 7, SSCML 8 & SSCML 9. Higher estimates of GCV, PCV, heritability, and genetic advance was observed for the traits viz., weight of green cob with husk, weight of green cob without husk and sweet corn length indicating the role of additive gene action. Priority should be given to these traits in formulating selection strategies on the basis of these characters to realize better gains by selection. Association study reveals that Plant height, weight of green cob with husk, sweet corn length and sweet corn girth exhibited significant correlation in desirable direction with weight of green cob without husk. Days to fifty per-cent tasseling and silking depicted a negative significant association with green cob weight without husk indicating that the selection of an early flowering trait with less ASI among genotypes will show a positive impact on green cob weight. These attributes could be considered for the selection of high-yielding sweet corn genotypes in formulating a breeding program.