Correlation study for Protein Content, Grain yield and Yield Contributing Traits in Quality Protein Maize (QPM) (Zea mays L.)

Seventy Quality Protein Maize (QPM) (Zea mays L.) hybrids were grown in duplicate randomized complete block design for character association study to assess the relationship among total grain protein content, grain yield and its components. Total grain protein showed significant correlation with plant height and ear height. Character association analysis revealed strong positive association of Grain yield per plant with plant height, ear height, ear length, ear diameter, kernel rows per cob, kernels per row, test weight and shelling per cent. Total grain protein showed strong negative association with days to 50 % flowering, days to anthesis and days to 50% silking. Hence, simultaneous selection of plant height and ear height would contribute for the improvement of the grain yield per plant and total protein content in the grains at the same time