Assessment of Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Analysis for Yield and its Contributing Traits in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Germplasm

In the current study, genetic variability, correlation, and path analysis were conducted for ten quantitative traits. All traits exhibited significant differences among the genotypes, highlighting substantial genetic diversity. The highest genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were recorded for harvest index, followed by spike length, number of tillers per plant, grain yield per plant, biological yield per plant, flag leaf area, plant height, and 1000-grain weight. Heritability estimates ranged from 83.88% for days to maturity to 99.40% for harvest index, with grain yield per plant showing a high heritability of 98.87%. Traits such as harvest index, biological yield per plant, plant height, 1000-grain weight, days to 50% flowering, and days to maturity displayed both high heritability and high genetic advance, indicating their potential utility in selection and crop improvement programs. Phenotypic correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between grain yield per plant and both harvest index and number of tillers per plant. Path analysis further identified harvest index and biological yield as having the strongest positive and direct effects on grain yield per plant. Therefore, these traits hold promise as effective selection criteria for the development of high-yielding barley varieties.