Heterosis Studies in Line × Tester Crosses of Maize for Yield and its Component Traits in Maize (Zea mays L.) Across Locations

Author: Bichewar Nagesh Dattatray, B.V. Vara Prasad, M.V. Nagesh Kumar, N. Sunil, B. Mallaiah and A. Meena

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Abstract

Heterosis is a quantifiable, trait-dependent and environment-specific phenotype, and the response of parental lines and their hybrids to environments resulted in various levels of heterosis hence, conformation of standard heterosis in maize hybrids is essential to exploit them commercially and thereupon uplifting their production potential. Therefore, the present study was designed in order to deduce the hybrid potential and useful heterosis to magnify the production and productivity of maize. Thirty single cross hybrids along with four standard checks were evaluated at three location using randomized block design during rabi, 2022-23. Analysis of variance due to mean square of genotype exhibit significant difference for all the studied traits indicating the presence of sufficient variation. Thirteen hybrids recorded the higher grain yield than the best check Bio 9544 and GP 329×GP 83, GP 82×GP 83 and PFSR 145×GP 69 were the top performers. Seven hybrids (GP 329×GP 83, GP 82×GP 83, PFSR 145×GP 69, GP 329×GP 86, PFSR 393×GP 107, GP 329×GP 107 and PFSR 204× GP 107) exhibited the significant and positive heterosis over the best check hybrid. Hybrid PFSR 393×GP 86 for ear length, GP 329×GP 69 for ear girth, GP 329×GP 86 for number of kernel per ear and number of kernel per row and PFSR 393×GP 83 for 100 grain weigh reported the significant heterosis in desirable direction over best checks. The hybrid GP 329×GP 83 had higher yield potential and found to be early in maturity indicating its significance in developing potential early maturing maize hybrid. The identified promising hybrids could be endorsed for future breeding programme following the conformation of results by repeating the research across locations.

Keywords

Useful heterosis, Hybrids, Checks

Conclusion

The phenomenon of heterosis in maize is important for identification and development of promising hybrids in breeding program. PFSR 393×GP 36 recorded the lowest mean value for the earliness traits, indicating the significance of this hybrids in development of early maturing variety. Similarly, PFSR 145×GP 83 recorded the lowest plant height thus useful for developing short stature lodging tolerant hybrids. On the other hand, GP 329×GP 86 recorded the higher mean value for most of the yield attributing traits whereas, the hybrid GP 329×GP 83 recorded highest mean for grain yield among all hybrids. The hybrid PFSR 393×GP 36 and GP 329×GP 83 recorded the lowest heterosis for flowering traits and days to maturity respectively. PFSR 145×GP 83 and GP 82×GP 86 recorded the lowest heterosis for plant and ear height respectively. Hybrid PFSR 393×GP 86 for ear length, GP 329×GP 69 for ear girth, GP 329×GP 86 for number of kernel per ear and number of kernel per row, PFSR 393×GP 83 for 100 grain weight and GP 329×GP 83 for grain yield recorded the highest heterosis in desirable direction indicated their potential for exploiting hybrid vigour in breeding programme and might be used for obtaining high yielding maize hybrids. The hybrid GP 329×GP 83 can be tested extensively for the development of potential early maturing hybrids.

References

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How to cite this article

Bichewar Nagesh Dattatray, B.V. Vara Prasad, M.V. Nagesh Kumar, N. Sunil, B. Mallaiah and A. Meena (2023). Heterosis Studies in Line ×Tester Crosses of Maize for Yield and its Component Traits in Maize (Zea mays L.) Across Locations. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(8a): 144-151.