Comparative Analysis of Genetic Parameters for Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Kharif and Rabi Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to assess the genetic variability parameters, correlation and path analysis in 30 maize genotypes for 15 quantitative traits in rabi and kharif seasons during 2019-20 at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Uttar Pradesh in Randomized Block Design replicated thrice. ANOVA for all quantitative characters revealed that treatment differences were highly significant in both the seasons under study at 1% level except for number of kernel rows per cob in Kharif season. Genotypes CML-193-1, CM-137 and CML-K5/ATM depicted highest grain yield in both the environments. The values of PCV were higher than GCV values for all the characters in both the seasons and large difference between the values of PCV and GCV of characters like grain yield per plant, cob weight, shank weight and anthesis-silking interval under both seasons, indicated that environmental factors significantly influenced the expression of these traits. All the traits studied had higher heritability, genetic advance at 5% selection intensity and genetic advance as percent of mean in rabi season than in kharif season, high expected genetic advance coupled with high heritability was observed for grain yield per plant, cob weight, plant height and ear height indicating the presence of large proportion of additive genetic action deciding these traits. Correlation and path coefficient studies suggest that selection based on characters cob girth, number of kernel rows per cob, cob weight and 100 kernel weight had positive correlation and direct effects with grain yield per plant. Therefore, it is concluded that effective selection must be attempted for these traits which would help in improvement of grain yield in maize genotypes suitable for different environments.