Combining Ability and Heterosis Analysis of Single Cross Hybrids of Maize (Zea mays L.)

A study was carried out using 48single cross experimental maize hybrids developed from 16 lines (with high test weight and per se performance) and three testers crossed in Line × Tester design and were evaluated at three diverse environments, viz. Arabhavi (Northern dry zone), Agriculture Research Stations of Nippani and Main Agricultural Research Station (MARS) Dharwad (Northern transition zone) in Karnataka, for their grain yield stability. The hybrids along with 3 checks; GH-0727, CP-818 and NK-6240 were sown in Randomised Block Design across the three locations during kharif-2016. Line X tester analysis, pooled over locations was run on Windostat, version 8.1 using the different yield and yield attributing traits that were observed during the crop growth and postharvest stages. P-679 proved to be a promising combiner for most of the yield and yield attributing traits. Hybrids; GH-1514 and GH-1532 were superior crosses with highest yield across the three locations.