Genotypic correlation and path coefficient analysis of yield and associated traits in sweet corn genotypes

Abstract:

The present study was conducted to assess the association among yield and quality traits and identify suitable selection criteria for cob yield improvement in sweet corn. Twenty genotypes were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications during Kharif 2025 at Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Genotypic correlation and path coefficient analyses were performed for 17 traits. Cob yield per plant showed strong positive correlations with number of kernels per row (0.870), kernel rows per cob (0.704), number of cobs per plot (0.700) and 100-kernel weight (0.609). Path analysis revealed the highest positive direct effects for number of kernels per row (0.663), number of cobs per plot (0.400) and kernel rows per cob (0.319). Sugar traits showed weak or negligible associations with cob yield. Thus, number of kernels per row, number of cobs per plot and kernel rows per cob may serve as effective selection criteria for improving cob yield in sweet corn.