Heterosis and combining ability studies for yield and its component traits in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Heterosis and combining ability was studied in F1 hybrids of maize with respect to grain yield and yield attributing traits using twenty-two hybrids which were developed through Line × Tester mating design. The parents and their hybrids were subjected to assess the combining ability and nature of gene action governing the quantitative traits. The results inferred that the predominance of non-additive gene action was observed for all the traits. Among the parents, the overall study of gca effects suggested that parent UMI 1200-7-26-1-6-1, N 14, N 107 and N 285 were significant general combiner for yield, these can be used to improve hybrids with desirable traits in future. Significant positive SCA effects were found for all the studied traits. Among the hybrids, N 14 × UMI 1200-7-26-1-6-1 showed desirable standard heterosis percentage over the checks CO 6 and NK 6240 along with good sca effects and per se performance for grain yield and other important yield contributing traits over different locations thus it can be used for commercial seed production programme