Relationship between yield and its component traits for enhancing grain yield in single cross hybrids of maize (Zea mays L.)

Sixty single cross hybrids of maize synthesised through Line × Tester mating design along with their sixteen parental lines were evaluated for their performance in the experimental field. Genetic parameters viz., genotypic and phenotypic correlation and path coefficients were estimated to understand the association among yield and its attributes in enhancing the grain yield. The observed thirteen biometric traits differed significantly in all the genotypes. Correlation studies concluded that cob weight (rg=0.994), the number of kernels per row (rg =0.897), plant height (rg =0.882), ear height (rg=0.841), and hundred seed weight (rg= 0.830) were strongly and significantly correlated with grain yield. Path analysis showed that cob weight (0.887) and shelling percentage (0.150) had the highest direct effects over yield which emphasized their importance during selection for yield improvement. Developmental traits viz., days to 50% flowering and days to 50% silking negatively contributed to yield, and hence the selection for these traits could be restricted.