Correlation and Path Coefficient Studies of Agronomic Traits for Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes at Korem, North Ethiopia

Abstract

For crop improvement, the association between inherited plant characters and their direct and indirect effects on yield are crucial. To create such evidences, a field study was done at Korem, Northern Ethiopia in 2014. 26 bread wheat genotypes were sown using RCB design with 3 replications. A genetic analysis was done for the traits studied. The correlation of yield with number of tillers per plant, number of kernels per spike and biomass were positive. Biomass had strong and positive direct effect on yield. However, the direct effect of number of tillers per plant and number of kernels per spike were low. Positive and strong genotypic and phenotypic indirect effect on yield via biomass suggested that selection on biomass would lead to improving of yield directly and selection on number of tillers per plant and number of kernels per spike indirectly via biomass. This result is based at one location with no repetition. Therefore, replication of this trial is crucial for conformation.