Heterosis of Highland Maize (Zea mays L) Hybrids for Grain Yield and Yield Related Components

The knowledge of gene action and heterosis also helps in identification of superior F1 hybrids in order to use further in future breeding programs.The objectives of this study was, therefore, to estimate heterosis and combining ability of maize inbred lines for yield and yield related traits.The analysis of variance showed there is highly significant variation between the hybrids for all the traits considerd.All crosses showed significant and positive heterotic effects over mid and better parents for grain yield.None of the crosses showed significant standard heterosis in desired direction.Mid-parent heterosis of day's maturity ranged from -5 to 13.9%, whereas that of better parent heterosis ranged from -5 to 105%.Indicating that the hybrids tend to be earlier in maturity than the parents.The observed highest heterosis for grain yield and related traits indicated the possibility of increasing yield by exploiting heterotic potential of maize genotypes.The information generated by this study could be useful for researchers who need to develop high yielding maize hybrids.