Genetic diversity studies in maize (Zea mays L.) for green fodder yield and its quality traits

Abstract

The experimental material for present study consisted of 32 genotypes of maize for genetic diversity. Observations were recorded on five quantitative and one quality parameters during Kharif 2022 at RVC Fodder Farm, Birsa Agriculture University, Ranchi (Jharkhand) in three replications and in RBD design. The genotypes were significantly different for all the characters; this indicates that there is scope for further genetic studies. All the genotypes were grouped in to seven clusters. Cluster-I having the largest genotype (i.e eighteen genotypes), Cluster-II having six genotypes, Cluster-IV having four genotypes and Cluster-III, V, VI and VII having one genotype each. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed for cluster between II & IV (262.94) followed by cluster II & III (169.20) and cluster II & V (144.90) indicating that the genotypes of these clusters might be differing marginally in their genetic architecture. The maximum contribution towards divergence was observed by Plant height (56 %) followed by Days to 50 % Flowering (18.75 %), Leaf /Stem ratio (15.24 %), Crude protein (12.38 %), Green Fodder Yield (3.02 %) and Dry matter yield (q/ha/day) (1.61 %). The genotypes MAH 15-84, IFH 10-21 K2, ADFM-4 and KDFM-8 were the most promising ones and their adaptation to the agro-ecological condition of Jharkhand. This can bring substantial increase in green fodder yield and crude protein (%). This study gives an insight into the diversity pattern of advance maize lines which will be helpful for further utilisation in breeding programme.