The present investigation was undertaken to estimate phenotypic
correlation and path coefficient analysis for grain yield and its components in
maize. Four local genotypes of yellow maize were evaluated in 2008 and 2009
growing seasons at two loca
tions i.e. Damascus and Dir Al-Zor under three
nitrogen fertilization levels (130, 195 and 260 of N. ha-1), The nitrogen fertilizer
was applied at two splits. Split split plot design was used with 4 replications.
Results of phenotypic correlation values showed that grain yield at Damascus
location was positively and significantly associated with ear height (r= 0.204**),
ear length (r= 0.205**) and number of rows per ear (r= 0.228**). On the other
hand, grain yield at Dir Al-Zor location was positively and significantly
associated with all studied traits at combined data whereas, it was positively
and significantly associated with ear length at three levels and combined data
(0.305*, 0.410**, 0.347** and 0.375**, respectively). The data of path coefficient
analysis showed that ear length, ear height and number of rows per ear had
positive direct effects on grain yield variation and thus grain yield
improvement can be achieved through selection for ear length and ear height at
Damascus location (11.06%). On the other side, data showed that each of ear
height, number of kernels per row and 100-kernel weight had positive direct
effects on grain yield variation (32.98%) and thus, 100-kernel weight can be
considered as selection criteria may lead to the improvement of grain yield in
yellow maize at Dir Al-Zor location.
The present investigation was undertaken to estimate phenotypic
correlation and path coefficient analysis for grain yield and its components in
maize. Four local genotypes of yellow maize were evaluated in 2008 and 2009
growing seasons at two locations i.e.
