Vol. 12, Issue 10 (2023)

Author(s):
Eniyavan P, Sivakumar S, Kumari Vinodhana N, Uma D and Murugan M

Abstract:
Yield and yield-attributing traits are the main focus of maize improvement programs. Apart from the yield, emphasis on nutritional quality parameters is also seen owing to their health benefits. Pigmented maize has gained importance in recent years owing to its potential health benefits. With these objectives, a study was conducted at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Six genotypes comprising both yellow and pigmented maize were used for the study conducted during Rabi 2022–23. The experiment was carried out in a randomised block design (RBD) with four replications. Analysis of variance for yield, yield attributed traits, and nutritional traits showed significant differences, indicating the presence of variation among the studied genotypes. Correlation analysis showed a positive association of single plant yield with all the yield-attributed traits. Traits like number of kernel rows, number of kernels per row, kernel length, and hundred kernel weight showed a strong positive correlation with single plant yield. Results of the study showed that S8-2 showed high values for yield and yield-attributed traits, indicating its potential use as a parent in maize breeding programs. Studies on nutritional quality parameters revealed that VL21931 has the highest amylose, carbohydrate, and starch content among the studied genotypes, and this line can be used as a parent to improve nutritional parameters. The information obtained from this study can be used to improve the yield and nutritional parameters of maize improvement program.