Correlation and path coefficient analysis of yield and yield components in hexaploid triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) genotypes under mediterranean conditions

Abstract

During the 2004-05 and 2005-06 vegetation periods, a study was conducted to determine the suitable selection criteria in triticale breeding for higher yields in Bursa ecological conditions. To this end, path and correlation coefficient analyses were applied to 22 triticale genotypes. Field trials were performed in a randomized block design, with three replications. According to the results, the relationships between the grain yield and all of its components were significant and positive. The results of the path coefficient analysis indicated that the grain number spike-1 , thousand kernel weight and test weight had the highest direct effects on the grain yield, whereas the plant height and spikelet number spike-1 were positive but less direct effects. In addition, the spike length had negative and low direct effects, whereas the grain weight spike-1 had negative and high direct effects on the grain yield. The results suggest that the grain number spike-1 , thousand kernel weight and test weight are primary selection criteria for higher grain yields in triticale.