Investigation of Correlation between Traits and Path Analysis of Corn (Zea mays L.) Grain Yield at the Climate of Ardabil Region (Northwest Iran)

Abstract

In order to study correlation between some traits and yield components of corn and to determine the most effective factors on its yield, an experiment was conducted at the agricultural research farm of university of Mohaghegh Ardabili in 2007. The experiment was conducted as a split plot in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Main plots were allocated at three levels to different planting dates (10, 20 May and 30 June) and subplots were allocated at the different levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 75, 150, 225 Kg N ha-1). The utilized corn seed was SC 404 hybrid. Sequential path analysis was used for evaluation of relationships between yield and yield attributes and to eliminate less important variables by using SPSS. Results showed that kernel per ear has the most correlation (r = 0.53) with grain yield. The grain yield and kernel per ear indicated negative and significant correlation with grain thickness (r = -0.33 and r = -0.52 respectively). The correlation between grain protein and thickness was negative and significant, too (r = -0.52). Results obtained from path analysis revealed that kernel per ear has more importance for selecting corn cultivars with high yield among different traits. Kernel per row and grain length had an effect on grain yield. Thus, these two traits can be attend in breeding programs and also be effective as a potential traits in improving desired corn cultivars.