Abstract
This work was executed to work out direct and indirect effects of yield related traits on grain yield by path coefficient analysis in early maturing maize inbred lines. Hence, fifteen inbred lines were crossed in a diallel mating system. Two standard checks along with one candidate variety and hybrids were evaluated in Alpha Lattice Design with two replications at Melkassa Research Center. Path-coefficient analysis indicated that most traits; exerted positive direct effects on grain yield both at genotypic and phenotypic levels on grain yield. This suggests that grain yield could simultaneously be improved by selecting for these traits. In general, this study identified inbred lines and hybrid associations that had desirable expression of important traits. This will be useful for the selection of high yielding and early maturing hybrids for the location.
Highlights
Maize is one of the most important crops in the world
The path coefficient analysis at phenotypic level showed that plant height, ear height, ear per plant, ear length, ear diameter, number of kernels per ear and thousand kernel weights exerted positive direct effects on grain yield
As these traits influenced grain yield favorably, selection for those traits will lead to the improvement of grain yield
Summary
Maize is one of the most important crops in the world. It is used as a human food, livestock feed, different alcoholic and none alcohol drinks production, building material, and as fuel. The national average yields 2.9 tons/ha CSA [2] is still far below the world average 6.1 tons/ha, [3]. Such low grain yield of maize is attributable to lack of improved varieties for different agro-ecological regions, diseases and insect pests, moisture stress, poor cultural practices, excessive plant height and low soil fertility [1]
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