Estimation of combining ability and heterosis for quantitative traits in maize (Zea mays L.) using diallel approach

Abstract

Twenty eight hybrids obtained by crossing eight lines along with hybrid check were evaluated to study the hybrid vigor and combining ability in maize crop season <italic>rabi</italic> 2012-13 at Maize Research Station,Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Bhiloda. The magnitude of heterosis was varied from character to character. The standard heterosis for number of ears per plant was registered for the hybrid I-07-11-3-3 × I-07-59-5 (28.57%). Low values of heterosis were observed for days to tasseling, days to silking and days to brown husk formation, while moderate values of heterosis were recorded for the other yield attributing traits. Maximum heterosis for ear eight was manifested by hybrid I-07-59-5(21.25%) followed by cross combinations I-07-11-3-3 x _07-65-18-3(21.16%) and I-07-6-4-4 x I -07-59-5(18.39). Parents P<sub>1</sub>, P<sub>4</sub>, P<sub>5</sub> and P<sub>7</sub> showed GCA in desirable direction for flowering and maturity traits. For yield and yield attributing traits the parents P<sub>2</sub>, P<sub>4</sub>, P<sub>5</sub> and P<sub>7</sub> reflected positive and significant general combining effects for most of the traits under investigation. None of the hybrid found as good specific combiner for all the traits but cross combination I-07-9-3-1 x I-07-05-13-1 and I-07-11-3-3 x I-07-59-5 was found as good specific combiner for most of the maturity and yield attributing traits.

Identification of Potential Tropical Maize Inbred Lines with Early Maturity for Drought-Prone Environments

“…None of the testers have reported either significant negative or positive GCA effects for days to 50% tasseling. These results are comparable with findings of Lahane et al (2015), Murtadha et al (2018) and Andorf et al (2019) showing the importance of additive gene action for days to 50% tasseling. Therefore, the identified lines are effective for developing early maturing maize hybrids.…”

Study on Per Se Performance and Heterosis for Green Cob Yield and Its Attributing Traits in Sweet Corn (Zea Mays L. Saccharata)

“…The hybrid L 2 x T 2 (58.03 %) manifested maximum standard heterosis, followed by hybrid L 1 x T 1 (52.35%) . The significant better parent heterosis and standard heterosis for green cob yield were also reported by Lahane et al (2015), Patel et al (2019), Kumari et al (2018), Gami et al (2018) and Chavan et al(2022). None of the hybrids under study recorded significant standard heterosis for cob length.…”

Biomass Yield Heterosis in Lowland Switchgrass

“…biomass, and seed yield has been well documented for several plant species such as maize (Zea mays L.; Troyer and Wellin, 2009;Lahane et al, 2015) grain amaranths (Lehmann et al, 1991), rice (Oryza sativa L.; Li et al, 2008), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.; Riday and Brummer, 2002). Population improvement through accumulation of favorable genes and exploitation of heterosis are two ways to improve biomass yield.…”

“…The dominant genetic variation is responsible for hybrid vigor or heterosis, which can be better exploited through hybrid cultivar development. Heterosis in plant vigor, biomass, and seed yield has been well documented for several plant species such as maize ( Zea mays L.; Troyer and Wellin, 2009; Lahane et al, 2015) grain amaranths (Lehmann et al, 1991), rice ( Oryza sativa L.; Li et al, 2008), and alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.; Riday and Brummer, 2002). Hybrid cultivars have contributed significantly to the increased production of both cross‐pollinated and self‐pollinated crops.…”