Genetic Studies of the Kernel Yield and Attributing Traits of Single Cross Hybrid in Yellow Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the emerging crops having its position in top three cereal crops throughout the world in area and production. In this study, six lines and five testers were crossed in Line × Tester mating design to produce 30 single cross hybrids. The hybrids, their parents along with standard check GAYMH-1 were evaluated in Randomized Block Design, with three replications for yield and attributing traits. The results indicated non-additive gene action found to be predominant for inheritance of flowering traits while, kernel yield, cob yield, cob girth and cob length showed solely non-additive gene actions. Among the parents, BLD-250, BLD-221, BLD-210 and BLD-107 reported as best combiners for yield and attributing traits. The hybrids, Z 488-4 × VL-1032 and BLD-250 × BLD-46 reported good specific combining ability, higher magnitude of heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for kernel yield per plant. Whereas, the cross combination, WNC 18242 × VL-1032 reported desirable SCA and heterobeltiosis for flowering and maturity traits. The cross combinations found superior for kernel yield and related traits includes both parents with either good or average general combiners. These combinations could be utilized in near future for identifying superior genotypes with better kernel yield performance and/or earliness.