Correlation and variability analysis for yield and related traits of sweet corn in backcross populations

Abstract

The 14 biometrical traits of sweet corn were studied in BC2F2 and BC2F3 generations of SCM-Se-Y-1 x UMI 1230β+ to analyse the mean performance and frequency distribution patterns to select potential individuals with high yielding agronomic traits. The mean, GCV, PCV, heritability, and GAM were calculated for all the recorded traits. The Pearson correlation coefficient revealed the strong and positive association of cob weight with cob length, number of kernels in a row and number of kernel rows per cob. Similarly, single plant yield shows positive correlation with number of kernels per row, number of kernel rows per cob, cob length and cob weight. The populations exhibit high PCV than the GCV, which reflects the direct influence of environments on trait performance. The BC2F2 generation exhibits greater trait variability, while BC2F3 shows signs of stabilization. Both generations display high heritability, indicating strong genetic influences for yield related traits. Heritability and GAM for the trait cob weight and single plant yield were higher, which gives added advantage for isolating the superior individual. The results of this study suggest that the selection of agronomical traits to enhance yield in sweet corn is of utmost importance due to its far-reaching economic, nutritional, and environmental implications.