Journal of FARM SCIENCES, Vol 23, No 4 (2010)

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Gene action and combining ability studies in single cross hybrids of maize ( Zea mays L.)

M.C. Wali, R.M. Kachapur, C.P. Chandrashekhar, V.R. Kulkarni, S.B. Devaranavadagi

Abstract


Eighty seven Single cross hybrids of Maize were developed by crossing twenty nine new lines developed from the National Yellow Pool with three testers in a line x tester (lx t) method and evaluated for grain yield and its component traits. The mean of male lines was higher (78.01 g) than the female lines (70.66 g) for grain yield per plant. The interaction effect of line x tester variance was found significant for all the traits except ear length, circumference, shelling percentage and fodder yield. However, the variance due to Line x Tester variance was found to be significant for yield contributing traits i.e., Number of kernel rows per ear (5.28), Number of kernels per row (149.31),  100 grain weight (50.26) and grain yield per plant (293.58 g). Among the parental lines (females) the line YPU4#07-20 was found to be best general combiner. Whereas, among the hybrids the cross YPU4#07-20 X CI-5 was identified as a potential single cross combination with mean grain yield of 67.29 q/h and also recorded heterosis of  53.5 % over standard check  for grain yield.

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