Path Coefficient Analysis of Early Maturing Maize (Zea Mays) Inbred Lines in Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia

This work was executed to work out direct and indirect effects of yield related traits on grain yield by path coefficient analysis in early maturing maize inbred lines. Hence, fifteen inbred lines were crossed in a diallel mating system. Two standard checks along with one candidate variety and hybrids were evaluated in Alpha Lattice Design with two replications at Melkassa Research Center. Path-coefficient analysis indicated that most traits; exerted positive direct effects on grain yield both at genotypic and phenotypic levels on grain yield. This suggests that grain yield could simultaneously be improved by selecting for these traits. In general, this study identified inbred lines and hybrid associations that had desirable expression of important traits. This will be useful for the selection of high yielding and early maturing hybrids for the location