Association and Path Coefficient Study in F2 Population for Yield Attributing and Micronutrient Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

In view to overcome the major problem of ‘hidden hunger’ mainly caused by micronutrient deficiency, breeding for micronutrient enriched staple food crops is important. In developing countries, iron and zinc deficiencies are reported to be major health risk factor causing a high mortality rate. So, for overcoming these nutritional deficiencies through genetic improvement, F2 population of two rice crosses obtained by crossing diverse parents for micronutrients (mainly, Fe and Zn) were evaluated using randomised complete block design during Kharif, 2019 to study the relationship between different traits and to study the estimates of direct and indirect effect. Among the F2 population of cross-I, grain yield per plant exhibited significant and positive association with seeds per panicle, tillers per plant, flag leaf area, harvest index, test weight, days to 50% flowering and days to maturity while negative and significant correlation with canopy temperature. For cross-II, grain yield per plant exhibited significant and positive association with seeds per panicle, tillers per plant, plant height, flag leaf area, SPAD value, harvest index, test weight and days to maturity while significant and negative correlation with grain Zn content, grain Fe content and canopy temperature. Hence, selection for the traits showing positive and significant association with grain yield in both the crosses will be rewarding. Highest positive direct effect on yield was shown by harvest index in cross-I. So, selection based on harvest index for grain yield per plant would be the most effective strategy for improvement of grain yield. No direct positive or negative effect of grain Fe and Zn content on yield was found.