Combining ability for grain yield and its components of subtropical maize (zea mays l.) inbred lines

Abstract

Abstract : Combining ability analysis was carried out in a diallel cross involving seven subtropical maize inbred lines for grain yield and its components. The expression of these characters was found to be controlled by both additive and non-additive genes. However, additive genetic effects were preponderance for the expression of days to silk, plant and ear height, and ear length and girth, while in case of grain yield, number of kernel rows/ear, number of kerneIs/row and 1000-kemel weight non-additive gene action was more important in controlling their expression. The inbred lines LmlYl5, LmlYl 1, LmlY08 and LmlYlO were found to be good general combiner for grain yield and other yield components. Based on per se performance and SCA effects, the superior cross combinations LmlYlO x LmlY15, LmlYl 1 x LrhlY15, LmlY09 x LmIY15 and LmlY08 x LmlYlO were identified as promising hybrids.