Kernel Quality Association and Path Analysis in Bread Wheat

The correlation and path coefficient analysis of some kernel quality traits have been studied for 92 cultivars, breeding lines and landrace varieties of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Ninety-two genotypes were evaluated in alpha lattice design with two replications. Result of analysis of variance indicated that there were significant differences among genotypes in the most of traits. The correlation analysis showed that there were significant positive correlations among thousand kernel weight (TKW), grain length (GL) and grain width (GW). We also showed TKW, GL and GW had positive correlation with grain protein percentage, gluten weight, and falling number. Grain protein was significantly correlated with several kernel characteristics including: TKW, GL, GW, hardness index, gluten weight, SDS sedimentation, and falling number. On the first and second steps of stepwise regression analysis, protein percentage and falling number were the most effective traits in explaining different trait variations. Path coefficient analysis also showed the direct and significant effects of grain protein percentage and medium direct effect of falling number on SDS sedimentation. This result can be used in wheat breeding programs.