Studies of variability using morphological and quality traits in Quality Protein Maize (Zea mays L.)

The study was conducted to assess the magnitude of genetic variability in QPM for morphological and quality traits. Fifty seven genotypes of maize (Zea maize L.) were grown in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Barout. In this study seed yield per plot followed by plant height, ear girth, ear height, ear length, 1000 grain weight and number of grain per row had high estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV). Heritability and genetic advance were moderate for Days to 50% silking, protein concentration, tryptophan concentration, lysine concentration, number of row per ear and number of grains per row indicating the predominant role of non additive gene action .Hence environment plays major role in governing these characters and improvement of these characters is complicated . It might be possible through heterosis breeding. Seed yield per plot had expressed high heritability (> 85%) coupled with high genetic advance % of mean indicating genetic variance for these characters and additive gene action playing major role in inheritance of these traits and there is better scope for improvement of these characters through simple selection. Correlation coefficient was positive and significant between grain yield and both plant and ear heights, but negative and significant correlation with ear height.