Estimation of Heterosis and Combining Ability in Single Cross Hybrids Developed from Newly Derived Inbred Lines of Maize (Zea Mays L.)

An experiment was conducted to study the heterosis and combining ability in newly derived inbred lines involving line×tester analysis with ten lines and three testers at All India Co-ordinated Maize Improvement Project, Agricultural Research Station, Arabhavi, UAS, Dharwad. The results revealed that among ten female lines, L2 was the best general combiner for plant height, ear height, ear length, 100-grain weight, grain yield per hectare and fodder yield per hectare. Whereas, among thirty crosses, L8×T3 was the best specific combination for plant height, ear height and grain yield per hectare. Among thirty, three hybrids L2×T1, L1×T2 and L×T3 showed significant positive standard heterosis over both EH434042 and 900M (Commercial checks).