Character Association and Path Analysis in Rice (Oryza sativa L. ) Genotypes

The present study was undertaken with the objective to determine the nature and magnitude of variability, degree of association between yield and it`s component characters and their direct, indirect effects on grain yield in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Thirty three genotypes were evaluated for identifying their efficiency with respect to 20 yield and quality traits. High heritability with high genetic advance as percent of mean was registered for number of effective tillers per plant, panicle weight, number of grains per panicle, number of spikelets per panicle, 1000 grain weight, kernel length before cooking (KLBC), length breadth(L/B) ratio, water uptake ratio and grain yield per plant. The correlation studies revealed strong positive association of yield with days to 50 % flowering, plant height, number of grains per panicle, number of spikelets per panicle and spikelet fertility. The result of path analysis indicated that the number of grains per panicle had maximum direct effect on grain yield per plant followed by kernel length after cooking (KLAC), days to 50 % flowering, hulling percentage, plant height, harvest index and kernel breadth after cooking (KBAC ).