GENETIC VARIABILITY AMONG MAIZE GENOTYPES FOR GRAIN YIELD AND ITS COMPONENTS UNDER AUTUMN CROP SEASON OF MULTAN

Abstract

The present research was conducted at the research area of the MNS-University of agriculture Multan Pakistan during kharif 2018, to determine the genetic variability for yield related traits of twenty-five maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids collected from International Maize and Wheat Improvement center (CIMMYT). The study was carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two replications. Significantly variability (P≤0.01) among the hybrids were found for all yield related traits. Mean values for plant height were ranged from 82.61 to 223.72 (cm), ear height from 23.6 to 98.5 (cm), ear length from 9.8 to 21.8 (cm), number of ears from 1.005 to 1.85, cob weight from 67.63 to 179.3 (g), kernels per cob from 198.1 to 574.2, kernel rows per cob from 10 to 15.54, kernels per row 18.520 to 38.950, 100 grains weight from 18.3 to 34.4 (g) and grain yield per plant from 44.32 to 149.40 (g). Highest estimate of genotypic (GCV) along with phenotypic (PCV) coefficient of variations was recorded for ear height 43.07 45.13 %, plant height 30.20 and 33.23%, grain yield per plant 31.75 and 33.54 %, cob weight 27.46 and 29.34% and kernels per cob 24.13 and 25.13% respectively. Hybrid CZH132151 and CZH132150 performed better for yield related traits. All traits were significantly correlated with each other except number of ears per plant which was non-significantly correlated with most of the traits. The positive correlations suggest that the desired characters in these hybrids can be improved simultaneously in further maize breeding programs. Predicted on the results of current study, maize hybrid CZH132151 and CZH132150 could be suggested for commercial cultivation for the agro climatic condition of Multan.