Selection of tester for evaluation of fodder traits in maize (Zea mays. L.)

摘要

Suitability of a tester for evaluation of maize lines for fodder traits were determined by conducting experiments in four artificially created environments at single location in the same year. The materials included in the study were nineteen parents and their 70 F_1S crosses. The pooled analysis of variance for combining ability indicated existence of significant difference amongst the females and males for general combining ability for most of the traits. Correlation co-efficient between generalcombining ability, effect of females and top crosses performance of individual testers indicated that the highest yielder tester was better discriminator for dry matter yield. Although tower performing testers were better discriminator for silk emergence, dry husk, plant height, number of leaves per plant, ear leaf area, girth of basal inter node, leaf-stem ratio, green fodder yield and grain yield. Broad based testers were better discriminator for green fodder and dry matter yield but narrow based testers were better for grain yield. In general broad based tester Devaki was found suitable tester for fodder yield and its attributing traits.