Path Coefficient Analysis for Grain Yield and Its Contributing Traits in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell)

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a major cereal crop globally, serves as a staple food for a large portion of the world’s population, contributing approximately 20% of global caloric intake. This study focuses on the genetic analysis of 19 morphologically diverse wheat genotypes crossed to produce 60 F1s and F2s, utilizing the Line × Tester mating design. The research aims to investigate key yield-related traits through correlation and path coefficient analysis, using data recorded on 13 quantitative traits such as plant height, ear length, biological yield, and grain yield per plant. The experimental material was cultivated under Rabi season conditions at C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, India, and analyzed in a randomized block design. Results from genotypic and phenotypic path analyses in both F1 and F2 generations indicated that productive tillers per plant, biological yield per plant, harvest index, and 1000-grain weight had the most significant direct positive effects on grain yield. Negative effects were observed for traits like days to 50% heading and days to maturity, suggesting that delayed maturity may reduce yield potential. The study concludes that selecting for traits such as tillering ability, biomass, and grain weight could significantly enhance yield potential in bread wheat, offering valuable insights for wheat breeding programs.