Studies on correlation and path analysis in maize (Zea mays L.)

A study on character association and path analysis among fifty genotypes including three checks were carried out with maize genotypes (Zea mays L.) at Wheat and maize research station, Parbhani (MS) during Rabi season 2024- 2025 with two replication in RBD. The analysis of variance exhibited significant differences among genotypes for all characters determined the substantial variability in the given set of genotypes. The grain yield per plant of maize inbred exhibited significant positive correlation with plant height (cm), ear height (cm), ear girth (cm), number of grain per ear and 100 grain weight (gm) both genotypically and phenotypically. The path coefficient analysis indicated that number of grains per ear, ear girth (cm), 100 grain weight (gm), plant height (cm), ear height (cm) and shelling percentage (%) exerted the highest positive direct influence on grain yield. The characters showing positive relationship with grain yield per plant of maize may be useful for selection criteria while planning maize improvement programme.