Studies on variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis for yield and quality traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes

The research work was conducted to study the variability parameters, correlation and path coefficient analysis for yield and quality traits in rice. Analysis of variance revealed the existence of significant differences among the genotypes for all traits under investigation. Traits viz., filled grain number per panicle and weight of 1000 grains showed high PCV and GCV. Total grain number per panicle, filled grain number per panicle, weight of 1000 grains, grain yield per plant, weight of panicle, head rice recovery, length of kernel after cooking, linear elongation ratio, length of kernel and kernel length/breadth ratio exhibited high heritability along with high genetic advance as percentage of mean. Days to 50% flowering and weight of 1000 grains had associated significantly positive with grain yield. Filled grain number per panicle, days to 50% flowering, total number of productive tillers per plant, length of kernel after cooking, height of the plant and length of panicle exhibited a high positive direct effect on grain yield per plant per plant. Therefore, these traits should be exploited in the selection process to identify superior rice lines with higher yield and quality genetic potential.