Author(s):

Kanhaiya Lal, Sarvendra Kumar, SK Singh, Mahak Singh, HC Singh and Yogendra Singh

Abstract: In the present investigation, 77 maize genotypes including 54 F1s, 18 lines, 3 testers and 2 check varieties were evaluated in relation to genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for different quantitative traits. Significant variability was reported in the genotypes for all the characters studied. Low to high estimates of GCV and PCV were reported for different characters. In general estimates of PCV were higher than that of GCV but the difference was very less for almost all the traits except number of cobs per plant where difference was slightly high. Indicated less environmental influence on the expression of almost all the traits except cobs per plant. High estimates of GCV and PCV (>20%) were reported for grain yield per plant, cob weight, kernels per cob and kernels per row. Heritability for different quantitative traits is most important aspect in plant breeding. However, heritability estimate alone does not provide sufficient evidence regarding the amount of genetic progress. Heritability estimates along with the estimates of genetic advance gives more reliable information. In the present investigation almost all the characters were showed high estimates of heritability (>61%) except number of cobs per plant. High estimates of genetic advance as percent of mean (>20%) were recorded for grain yield per plant, cob weight, kernels per cob, kernels/ row, 100-kernel weight, cob length, kernel rows per cob and plant height. The characters that had high GCV, heritability and genetic advance should be utilized in making selection strategy for yield improvement in maize.

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