Association and Diversity Studies for Yield and Its Attributing Traits in Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids

Present investigation was conducted in 144 maize hybrids of CIMMYT, Hyderabad along with 6 checks at ICRISAT, Hyderabad. The genotypes were evaluated for six quantitative traits that are plant height, ear height, anthesis days, silking days and grain yield. Correlation among the traits came to a conclusion that plant height and ear height are positively correlated with grain yield. Path analysis revealed there is highest direct association of plant height on grain yield and ear height had a highest indirect positive association with grain yield. Hence selection plant height and ear height days plays a vital role in increasing yield. Clustering of genotypes based on the six traits divide the germplasm into two clusters. 85 and 65 genotypes were found in each clusters. Clustering the genotypes based the quantitative traits revealed close relatedness between the genotypes. Knowledge on association and diversity identified in our study help in plant breeding process.