Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance for Yield and Yield-Related Traits in Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines

Abstract

Maize inbred lines are important genetic resources for the development of improved hybrids, and their effective use depends on reliable information on genetic variability and selection parameters. The present study evaluated 50 maize inbred lines, together with four standard inbred checks, for 13 yield and yield-contributing traits during the rabi season of 2023–24. The experiment was conducted using an Augmented Randomized Complete Block Design to estimate genetic variability, broad-sense heritability, genetic advance, and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for 12 of the 13 traits, with the exception of shelling percentage, indicating substantial genetic variability in the experimental material. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were observed for grain yield per plot, anthesis-silking interval, ear height, test weight, kernel rows per ear, plant height, and ear length. High broad-sense heritability combined with high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean was recorded for grain yield per plot, anthesis-silking interval, test weight, ear length, ear diameter, plant height, kernel rows per ear, and kernels per row, suggesting that these traits may respond effectively to selection. Based on mean performance, the inbred lines 900 M-N 09-155-1, HUZM-9-19-#-B, VL175106, ZL112984, and VL121664 showed promising performance for grain yield and related traits. These lines may be useful as potential breeding materials after further validation.