CAUSE-AND-EFFECT RELATIONSHIP OF YIELD AND ITS COMPONENTS UNDER COLD-STRESS CONDITION IN RICE (ORYZA-SATIVA)

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes (38) from diverse origin were studied for correlation and path-coefficient analysis under cold-stress condi tion for grain yield, using 9 characters. Grain yield was positively c orrelated with 1 000-grain weight and negatively with sterility (%) an d plant height. Panicle length, panicle density and sterility(%) were the main component characters affecting yield directly. High and posit ive indirect effects were contributed by 1 000-grain weight and days t o flowering through grains/panicle and panicle length respectively. Th e combined results of correlations and path coefficients indicated tha t 1 000-grain weight and days to flowering through grains/panicle and panicle length respectively. The combined results of correlations and path coefficients indicated that 1 000-grain weight, spikelet fertilit y and short plant height have maximum effect on selection for improvem ent in grain yield of rice under cold-stress condition.