Standard Heterosis of Maize (Zea Mays L.) Genotypes for Grain Yield and Yield Related Traits in Mid-Altitude Agro-Ecology of Ethiopia

A line x tester analysis involving sixty four test-crosses generated by crossing 32 elite maize inbred lines with two testers and two standard checks was evaluated for yield and yield related traits in 6x11 alpha lattice design replicated twice during 2017 cropping season at Bako National Maize Research Center. The study was designed to estimate the amount of standard heterosis of the hybrids for grain yield and yield related traits. From this study, considerable standard heterosis for all traits over both commercial checks was manifested. For grain yield, the highest standard heterosis was recorded for L17xT1 (61.75 %) and (41.46%) over BH546 and BH547, respectively, indicating the presence of substantial heterotic potential that could be exploited in maize breeding program and possibility of developing desirable cross combinations through crossing of inbred lines with desirable traits of interest. Cross L3xT2 manifested negative standard heterosis over BH546 and BH547 for days to anthesis, silking and maturity that indicate earliness of the crosses in maturity as compared to both standard checks. Similarly, most of the crosses showed positive standard heterosis for biomass yield, harvest index, ear per plant, ear length, ear diameter, rows per ear, kernel per rows and thousand kernel weights over both commercial checks. In general, information from this study could be valuable for researchers who intend to develop high yielding maize varieties. Keywords : Maize, Standard Heterosis, Grain Yield. DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/11-4-03 Publication date: February 28 th 2021