Association Studies in Certain Promising Aromatic Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties on NEP Zone

Yield is a complex characteristic that depends on various attributes. Therefore, knowledge about the relationship of diverse traits to yield is crucial for making an efficient selection strategy. The grain yield/plant exhibited a highly significant and positive association with biological yield /plant followed by number of grain/panicle, number of productive tillers/plant, test weight, kernel length and L:B ratio in F1s at both phenotypic and genotypic level. The highest positive direct effect on grain yield/ plant was exerted by biological yield/ plant and harvest-index in F1s at both phenotypic and genotypic levels. Therefore, these traits should be utilized in making a selection strategy for yield improvement in rice.