Estimation of heterosis for grain yield and its related traits in maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Heterosis plays an important role in achieving improvement in crop production. 22 F1 hybrids obtained by crossing eleven lines and two testers in a line × tester fashion were used to derive the information on degree of heterosis over mid, better and standard check in maize. Twenty two crosses and their parents including one check Palam Shankar Makka-2 were evaluated in a Randomized Block Design with two replications. Grain yield per plant recorded the standard heterosis ranged from -62.54 (KI-13- 315 x HKI-1040) to 44.40% (KI-13-182 x HKI-1105) and significant positive standard heterosis recorded by five hybrids over the check viz., KI-13-182 x HKI-1105 (44.40%), KI-36 A x HKI-1040 (27.29%), KI-3A x HKI-1040 (19.71%), KI-7C x HKI-1040 (11.86%) and KI-13- 315x HKI-1105 (11.74%) These hybrids also showed high heterosis for many yield contributing traits in desirable directions. Therefore, these hybrids can be utilized in future for developing high yielding hybrids and inbreds having promising performance can be used in future maize breeding programs to exploit hybrid vigour.