Vol. 12, Issue 11 (2023)

Author(s):
Ayyanna, Bhat JS, Rakshith P and P Kariyannanavar

Abstract:
This research investigates the genetic exploration of morpho-physiological traits in 47 newly developed elite inbred lines of maize (Zea mays L.) sourced from CIMMYT, IIMR, and IARI Regional Research Centre, Dharwad. The study, conducted during rabi-2016, employed a Randomized Complete Block Design with two replications, assessing 11 quantitative traits. The findings reveal substantial genetic variability across traits such as plant height, ear height, cob length, cob girth, number of kernel rows per cob, number of kernels per row, hundred-seed weight, shelling percentage, and grain yield per hectare. Traits like grain yield per hectare and hundred-seed weight displayed high heritability, genetic advance, and potential for improvement through selection. Conversely, days to 50 percent tasseling, days to 50 percent silking, and shelling percentage showed lower genetic advance, suggesting the need for nuanced breeding strategies. These results contribute useful insights for maize breeding programs, emphasizing the importance of considering multiple traits with high heritability and genetic advance for comprehensive crop improvement.