Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis for Grain Yield and its Component Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
The present investigation was undertaken to assess genetic variability among thirty rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes and to identify reliable indirect selection criteria for grain yield through correlation and path coefficient analysis. Thirty genotypes were evaluated in a randomised block design with three replications during Kharif 2025 at the Field Experimentation Centre, Naini Agricultural Institute, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, for thirteen quantitative traits. Analysis of variance showed highly significant genotypic differences for twelve of the thirteen characters, confirming substantial genetic variability in the material. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean was recorded for number of spikelets per panicle (98.4%; 41.1%), biological yield per plant (71.2%; 23.6%) and grain yield per plant (69.9%; 22.8%), indicating predominantly additive gene action and good scope for direct phenotypic selection for these traits. Grain yield showed a strong positive genotypic correlation with test weight (1.09), biological yield (0.871) and harvest index (0.715), and path analysis confirmed biological yield and harvest index as the traits with the largest positive direct effects on grain yield at both genotypic and phenotypic levels; test weight, despite its strong correlation with yield, acted mainly through indirect effects channelled via these two traits. The genotype DRRH2 combined the highest grain yield with high biological yield, harvest index and test weight and, together with 72-Dhan-59, 80-NLR-40024 and Vikramarya, is proposed as a promising donor for future hybridisation programmes aimed at raising grain yield in rice.