Abstract: Using 36 japonica rice varieties approved in Henan province from 2009 to 2018, correlation analysis, partial correlation analysis and path analysis of their eight traits and yield were conducted to study the internal relationship and evolution of main agronomic traits affecting japonica rice. The results demonstrated that the average yield of japonica rice showed an upward trend, with an annual increase of 129.11 kg/hm², and the growth period showed a downward trend, which was 0.826 day per year, other characteristics didn’t change significantly. The eight traits have different effects on the yield of japonica rice. The number of grains per panicle is the main trait that affects the yield. The number of effective panicles, 1 000-grain weight and plant height are also important factors to yield. Therefore, under the premise of a reasonable and effective panicles, the main goal is to increase the number of grains and ensure the 1 000-grain weight.

Key words: japonica, main agronomic characters, correlation analysis, Henan province