Vol. 7, Issue 12, Part A (2025)

A study was conducted to assess genetic variability, correlation, and path coefficient analysis for morphological, yield, and yield-related traits in 50 wheat genotypes. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with two replications at the Wheat and Maize Research Unit, Parbhani (Maharashtra) during the Rabi season of 2023-24. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all traits, confirming the presence of considerable genetic variability in the material studied. High genotypic coefficients of variation were recorded for number of grains per spike, number of productive tillers per plant, grain yield per plant, and 1000-grain weight. Traits such as number of productive tillers per plant, number of grains per spike, and grain yield per plant exhibited high heritability along with high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean, indicating that these traits are mainly governed by additive gene action. Correlation analysis showed that grain yield per plant had a highly significant and positive association with harvest index, number of productive tillers per plant, number of grains per spike, spike length, 1000-grain weight, and biological yield per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Path coefficient analysis further indicated that number of grains per spike, number of productive tillers per plant, biological yield per plant, and harvest index exerted positive direct effects on grain yield per plant. Biological yield, followed by harvest index and 1000-grain weight, contributed the most directly to grain yield, identifying them as key determinants for yield improvement.
Overall, these results provide useful guidance for developing wheat breeding strategies focused on enhancing grain yield potential.