Varietal evaluation of promising maize genotypes

Abstract

The selection efficiency can be broadened for certain traits using estimates of genetic parameters, which are fundamental for plant breeding. The present study was carried out with ten maize genotypes grown in October, 2016 to April, 2017 using randomized complete block design with three replications at research field of National Maize Research Program, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal. The objective of this study was to estimate the variability and correlation of agro-morphological traits in maize genotypes. Variation was observed for all the growth, phenology, yield and yield attributing traits among the genotypes. The genotypes, ZM-627 (4984 kg ha-1) and Across9942/Across9944 (4523 kg ha-1) were identified as promising genotypes. Grain yield had significant positive correlation for ear length, number of grains per row, number of ears per plot and thousand grains weight. Path analysis showed that ear height, days to 50% tasseling, anthesis-silking interval, ear length, ear diameter, number of grain rows per ear, number of grains per ear, number of ears per plot and 1000 grains weight had direct and positive effects on grain yield. Moderate to high estimates of GCV, PCV, heritability and genetic advance were found for plant height, ear height, thousand kernels weight, tasseling days, anthesis- silking interval and grain yield. Therefore, these traits can be used as selection indices for indirect selection for the improvement of maize productivity

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