Heterosis and Combining Ability Studies for Grain Yield and its Related Traits in Maize (Zea mays L.)

摘要

Heterosis and combining ability for grain yield and its related traits were studied in maize through Line x Tester mating design using nine lines and four testers along with check COH(M)4. Combining ability analysis showed the predominant role of non-additive gene action for all the characters studied. The lines UMI199 and UMI278 and the testers UMI217 and UMI314 had recorded high per se and gca for yield and most of the yield contributing characters studied. The hybrid UMI 278 x UMI 217 and UMI 334x UMI 217 had significant and superior per se performance for grain yield per plant, cob length, cob girth, number of rows per cob, number of grains per row and hundred grain weight. The hybrid UMI 348 x UMI 330 exhibited high sea effect for cob girth, number of rows per cob, number of grains per row and hundred grain weight. The hybrids UMI 278 x UMI 217, UMI 334 x UMI 217, UMI 348 x UMI 217 and UMI 348 x UMI 314 exhibited superior performance over the check for grain yield per plant and most of the yield contributing characters studied. Two hybrids viz., UMI 278 x UMI 217 and UMI 334 x UMI 217 were observed to be potential hybrids for exploitation of yield heterosis.