Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of Yield and Component Traits of KAFACI doubled haploid Rice (Oryza sativa L) Genotypes in Malawi

The present study exhibits a yield and yield component traits correlations and path coefficient analysis in some KAFACI doubled haploid and other rice {Oryza sativa L} genotypes. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design {RCBD} with 3 replications at Lifuwu Agricultural Research Station trial fields during the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 rainy seasons. Eight selected traits namely number of productive tillers per hill, spikelets per panicle, panicle length, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, 1000 grain weight, and grain yield were considered in this study. ANOVA table illustrated significant differences (p<0.001) for all studied traits and this means that the germplasms comprised a pool of genotypes with huge variations. The new promising lines, which exceed the yield, record of 7000kg/ha of paddy rice for Malawi varieties were identified in the present evaluation of KAFACI lines. Generally, genotypic correlations were higher than phenotypic correlations though in some instances were similar implying that much expression of the lines were influenced by genetic factors. Grain yield showed positive significant correlation with number of productive tillers per hill and only positive in panicle length and spikelets per panicle. This means selection for these traits can improve grain yield. Path Coefficient showed that characters like days to reach maturity, panicle length and spikelets per panicle were directly influencing grain yield thus are important contributors in coming up with selection criteria for the set objectives in a rice breeding program.