Correlation and path coefficient analysis in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The present investigation was carried out to assess the relationships among grain yield and its contributing traits in 48 diverse genotypes of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The genotypes were evaluated under a randomized block design with two replications at the farm of Wheat and Maize research Unit, Parbhani (Maharashtra) during Rabi season 2023-24. Observations were recorded on ten quantitative traits including days to 50% heading, days to maturity, plant height, number of tillers per plant, spike length, number of grains per spike, 1000 grain weight, biological yield per plant, harvest index, and grain yield per plant. Genotypic and phenotypic correlation analyses revealed highly significant positive associations of grain yield with traits such as number of tillers per plant, number of grains per spike, 1000 grain weight, harvest index, and spike length. Path coefficient analysis further established that biological yield and harvest index exerted the highest direct positive effects on grain yield, followed by number of grains per spike and 1000 grain weight. The results emphasized the importance of these traits in influencing yield directly and indirectly. Therefore, these traits should be prioritized in selection strategies aimed at enhancing wheat productivity through yield component improvement.