Genetic Variability and Character Association in Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines

Maize grain yield is a complicated character which depends on multiple factors. Considering this aspect, we carried out an experiment to estimate the genetic parameters and character association of thirty inbred line in maize during November 2017 to April 2018. The highest genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was observed for a Number of kernel row per ear (NKRE), ear diameter (ED), plant height (PH), number of kernels per row (NKR). However, heritability (percentage) exhibited highest for the yield per plant (YP), thousands kernel weight (TKW), cob weight (CW), first ear height (FEH), ear length (EL). The percentage of genetic advance (GAM%) was high for YP, CW, PH, FEH, TKW. Results demonstrated that EL has a significant positive correlation with NKR (r = 0.661**). YP showed significant positive correlation with PH (r = 0.718**). While EL (r = 0.587**), NKR (r = 0.501**), NKE (r = 0.422**), and TKW (r = 0.612**) showed insignificant association with YP (0.718). YP has insignificant association with EL to NKRE (r = -0.0414) and PH to FEH (r = -0.092). Highest and positive direct effect on YP was exhibited by TKW (0.519). Considering all traits, IL-28, performed better followed by IL-9, IL-15, and IL-10. The development of hybrids genotypes, these genotypes have the chance to obtain higher heterosis with high performing crosses.