Path analysis of yield components of some mutants of Basmati rice

Abstract

Twenty three dwarf mutants, five early flowering mutants and four commercial varieties of Basmati rice were studied for genetic correlations among yield and yield components. Yield per plant showed highly significant positive correlations with number of spikelets per panicle, number of primary and secondary branches per panicle and panicle length. Number of spikelets per panicle recorded highly significant positive correlations with panicle length, number of primary ana secondary branches per panicle. Number of secondary branches per panicle showed highly significant positive correlations witn number of Erimary branches per panicle, number of spikelets per panicle and panicle length. Number of primary ranches per panicle and panicle length were also significantly correlated. Path-coefficient analysis showed that among all the characters studied, number of spiklets per panicle has the maximum direct effect towards yield. The number of secondary branches per panicle was more important than panicle length and number of primary branches. Therefore the number of spikelets per panicle and the number of secondary branches per panicle are the most important yield components to be considered in Basmati rice breeding.