Genetic Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis for Yield and Yield Attributing Traits of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under Drought Stress Condition

The present experiment was conducted to elucidate the correlation and their interrelationships among different characteristics and to determine the direct and indirect impact of various traits on grain yield and drought tolerance. The field screening of 120 rice genotypes for drought tolerance was conducted using a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The experiment was carried out in a drought field at Koothapadi village, Dharmapuri district (Drought-E1), while another low-lying field in the same village served as the irrigated control (Normal-E2). The study was conducted during the Navara seasons of December to April in 2020–21 (Season 1) and 2021-22 (Season 2). The correlation study revealed that the number of grains per panicle, number of productive tillers and grain length was exhibited a positive and significant association with grain yield per plant under drought stress conditions. Path analysis exerted that number of grains per panicle, grain length and number of productive tillers, had positive direct effects on grain yield per plant under water stress conditions. Indicates true relationship between these traits and grain yield. Hence, selection based on these characters could be more effective in improving the genetic potential of drought tolerant rice genotypes.