Path analysis of stay-green trait in maize

Understanding relationships among traits is crucial for usage these relationships effectively. Two synthetic maize populations (Syn103NS and Syn140NS) were studied for correlations between stay-green, stalk water content, leaf water content, vegetative period and grain moisture. The set of genetic correlations was subjected to path-coefficient analysis, in which stay-green represented the dependent and the other traits the independent variables. Highly significant genetic and phenotypic correlations were found between studied traits in both populations. The most consistent genetic correlations established between stay-green and leaf water content (r(g)=0,852**; r(g)=0,900**). Leaf water content showed the strongest direct effect on stay-green in both populations (p(y2)=0,600** p(y2)=0,648**). Stalk water content and grain moisture had less direct effect than was to be expected based on their correlation coefficients. Weak and insignificant direct effect of the vegetative period (p(y4)=0,031; p(y4)=-0,032) indicate that stay-green genotypes can be selected regardless of the length of vegetation