VARIABILITY AND INTERRELATIONSHIP OF YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS IN MAIZE

Abstract

Genetic variability. con-elation and path coefficient analyses were carried out for grain yield and its component characters in maize. Comparatively higher genotypic coefficient of variability was found for plant height. number of tassel branches and IOOO-kernelweight. Plant height, tassel length and shelling percentage showed high heritability coupled with high genetic gain. Grain yield was significantly and positively associated with days to maturity, number of tassel branches and kernel weight. Path coefficient analysis revealed the highest contribution of car diameter and length to grain yield and these were followed by tassel length and days to silking.