Genetic divergence for yield and yield contributing traits in yellow corn (Maize, Zea mays L.)

Abstract

The experiment was conducted with twenty six maize genotypes collected in Rabi 2014 in randomize block design. Wide range of variability was present in the maize genotypes under study. The range of GCV and PCV was 6.49% to 58.04% and 10.20% to 66.31%, respectively. The estimates of phenotypic, genotypic and environmental variances revealed that phenotypic variances were higher in magnitude over the respective genotypic variances for all the characters under study. PCV and GCV were high for anthesis silking interval and grain yield per plant, respectively. The broad sense heritability ranged from 34.43% to 90.69%. The genetic advance and genetic advance as percent of mean was ranged from 3.50% to 93.96% and 8.50% to 104.63% respectively. Heritability along with genetic advance is more useful for selection than the heritability alone.