Genetic variability and trait association studies in maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Genetic variability study on 12 quantitative traits in Maize was carried at AICRP on maize, UAS, Dharwadduring Kharif, 2019. The experiment consisted of 64 single cross maize hybrids obtained by crossing 32 lines with 2 testersin line x tester mating design. These hybrids along with checks were raised in alpha-lattice design in three replications. Thephenotypic co-efficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic co-efficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits.Highest PCV was observed for Plant height (20.88 %) and grain yield (24.52 %) and medium for ear height (12.88%),number of kernels per row (12.98 %), cob length (13.58 %) and hundred grain weight (12.42%). High heritability along withhigh genetic advance was observed for grain yield, 100 grain weight and plant height. The grain yield/ ha had highlysignificant and positive correlations both at genotypic and phenotypic levels with ear height (rg=0.66, rp=0.55), plantheight (rg=0.50,rp=0.44), cob length (rg=0.45,rp=0.34), number of kernels per row(rg=0.37, rp=0.28), 100-grain weight(rg=0.36, rp=0.31). The highest positive and direct effect was found for days to 50% silking (3.16) followed by ear height(1.10) on grain yield