Dissection of genetic parameters for yield in relation to iron and zinc content in maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.), is of American origin and is one of the most multipurpose crop having wider adaptability under various agro-climatic conditions. Maize is known as queen of cereals because it has the highest genetic yield potential among the cereals. This experiment was conducted to estimate the genetic traits of forty-eight maize genotypes (inbred lines) collected from CIMMYT, Hyderabad and Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi. The research experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at Agricultural Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU, Varanasi. ANOVA indicated a significant difference among maize genotypes for all the characters. Genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV) was lower than phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) for most of the traits. Highest heritability (bs) was detected for zinc content followed by test weight, kernel iron content, grain yield per plant mainly. Highest genetic advance was observed for test weight whereas, the highest genetic advance as percentage of mean (GAM) was observed for kernel zinc content followed by kernel iron content and grain yield per plant. The findings of the present investigation indicated the presence of enough genetic variability among the maize genotypes analyzed, which can be exploited for maize improvement programs and development of cultivars/hybrids to enrich iron and zinc content in maize kernels.