Combining ability and heterosis study for grain yield and yield contributing traits of maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Maize is becoming a crop of huge demand day by day due to its multiple uses but its productivity in farmer’s fields is generally low due to lack of multiple resistant and wider adaptive improved maize hybrids. For development of improved maize hybrids, heterosis breeding has been recognized as most powerful breeding approach since long time. In this experiment, five lines were crossed with four broad base testers using line x tester mating design during Rabi 2021 and generated twenty test cross. During Kharif 2022 season, those twenty hybrids along with their nine parents and two check (Rajarshi and Phule Maharshi) were evaluated for heterosis and combining ability studies using eleven characters. Highly significant variations were observed within parents and hybrids which indicates a wide genetic variability for the studied characters and the possibility of genetic improvement through utilization of such genetic material of maize. Among the nine evaluated parents (five lines, four testers), PDM-6507 was identified as a good general combiner for all traits, making it ideal for developing early maturing hybrids with high yields Considering per se performance, SCA and heterosis result, five crosses viz., PDM-6507 x PDM-4641, PDIM-881 x PDM-4641, PDIM-691E x PDIM-117, PDIM-863 x PDM-4641 and PDIM-863 x PDIM-117 were identified as best performing crosses in present investigations for yield contributing characters. Hence, these crosses can be used for commercial purpose after multi-locations trail.