Combining Ability and Heterosis Analysis in Maize: Insights from Line × Tester Hybridization

Abstract

Fifty hybrids were obtained by crossing twenty five lines with two testers and were evaluated to study heterosis and combining ability for kernel yield per plant and its components traits. The experiment was laid out in simple lattice design with two replications during kharif 2019 at Agricultural Research Station, Peddapuram, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh. Heterosis studies revealed that twelve out of fifty crosses exhibited significant positive heterosis over the mid-parent, five crosses showed significant positive heterosis over the better parent and one cross exhibited significant positive heterosis over the standard check, DHM117, for kernel yield per plant. The cross PDM1732 × BML6 recorded significant heterosis over mid parent, better parent and standard check in desirable direction for kernel yield per plant. Out of the 25 lines evaluated in the present investigation, the line PDM1733 for protein content and kernel yield per plant was found to be good general combiner in desirable direction and can be utilized as parent for production of good hybrids by crossing with other divergent lines and can also be employed in the development  of synthetic varieties. None of the fifty crosses recorded significant sca effect for kernel yield per plant.