Correlation coefficient measures the strength of the relationship between independent traits on the dependent trait like yield, that helps breeder in selection for yield enhancement. In this view, the present experiment was carried out to assess the correlation coefficient and path analysis using twelve quantitative traits. Eleven lines, four testers and their 44 crosses along with five checks were evaluated in simple lattice design during rabi 2021-22. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among entries for all the characters under study, suggested the presence of substantial amount of genetic variability. Correlation studies specifies that plant height, ear placement height, ear length, ear girth, kernel rows per ear, number of kernels per row, 100-kernel weight exhibited significant positive association with kernel yield and among themselves at genotypic and phenotypic levels, signifying the importance of these traits during selection. Path analysis revealed that highest positive direct effects on kernel yield was exhibited by ear girth, number of kernels per row and days to 50% tasseling. As a result, the current study could aid in the reliable selection of parental lines based on these traits, as well as the development of high yielding varieties for future breeding programs.

Background: There are a variety of critical problems facing tropical maize cultivation, such as disease infestation, insect/pest and weed problems. Foliar diseases in particular cause significant losses in agricultural yield. Leaf blight, known as northern leaf blight, is a disease of maize leaves caused by an overgrowth fungus. Therefore, it was necessary to develop sources of resistance to TLB and then a field experiment was conducted to study the performance of 64 (44 test crosses, 11 lines, 4 examiners and 5 assays) During Spring 2021-22 at the Agricultural College Farm, Babatla. Methods: Screening was carried under field conditions by adopting an artificial disease inoculation technique Disease score was recorded at tasseling, 20 DAT and maturity stages by using 1-9 scale. Results and Discussion: At maturity stage 12 crosses, seven lines and one check showed resistant reaction (R); 25 crosses, 4 inbreds, one check showed moderately resistant reaction (MR); 7 crosses, 3 inbreds and one check showed moderately susceptible reaction (MS) and one inbred, two checks showed susceptible reaction (S) under field screening.  Conclusion: The lines VL171488-2, VL18828, VL19705-8, VL18142, VL175869, SNL19582-22 and tester LM13 showed resistant disease reaction for TLB pathogen at phenotypic level. These lines can be used in future TLB resistance breeding programmes.