Studies of Genotypic, Phenotypic and Path Coefficient Analysis for Yield and Yield Contributing Traits in Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.)

Abstract

The experiment conducted during 2022-23 and 2023-24 Rabi seasons at three locations with objective to identify the genotypic and phenotypic correlations and path analysis among yield-related traits in wheat. Line x tester mating design was used to generate forty five F1s hybrids by the cross of fifteen lines with three testers. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was used during 2024 Rabi season at three locations. Observations were recorded on sixteen quantitative and qualitative parameters viz.; Days to 50% Heading (DH) and Days to Maturity (DM) (377.96), indicating that earlier heading leads to earlier maturity. DH also correlated highly with Grain Filling Period (GFP) (502.97), Plant Height (PH) (205.34), and Flag Leaf Area (FLA) (346.47). PH was significantly correlated with yield-related traits like Grain Weight per Spike (GWS) (170.02) and Grain Yield per Plant (GYP) (164.59), highlighting their importance in productivity. In phenotypic correlations, DH showed a strong negative correlation with GFP (-521.03), PH (-215.10), and GYP (-191.67), suggesting that later heading plants have longer grain filling periods and lower yield. GFP had the most significant negative correlations with PH (-379.75) and GYP (-337.96). Pearson correlation analysis found that GWS had strong positive correlations with 1000-Grain Weight (TGW) (0.761) and Biological Yield (BY) (0.6895). Path coefficient analysis revealed Plant Height (PH) as the most influential trait (0.804 total contribution), followed by Number of Grains per Spike (0.712) and 1000-Grain Weight (0.658). Thus, study identified traits that correlated directly or indirectly to grain yield in wheat.