EVALUATION OF INBRED LINES OF MAIZE
THROUGH LINE
× TESTER ANALYSIS
S. Begum,
M. Amiruzzaman, A. Ahmed, S.H. Omy and M.M.
Rohman*
*Corresponding author, E-mail:
motiar_1@yahoo.com
Abstract
Twenty five crosses were evaluated by estimating general combining
ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects following line × tester design involving 5 lines
and 5 testers for grain yield and its components of maize. Highly
significant genotypic variances were observed which directed wide range of
variability among the genotypes. Non-additive gene action was predominant in
controlling the traits. General combining ability studies
revealed that the line 900MG/S4-2was
better combiner for days to tasseling, days to silking and plant height, 900MG/S4-4 for days to tasseling, days to silking
and grain yield, the tester 9MS/S6-16 was selected as
better combiner for days to tasseling, days to silking
and plant height and grain yield. None of the crosses showed desired significant SCA
effects for all the characters except for a few crosses in days to tasseling.
For days to tasseling, two crosses 900MG/S4-2×9MS/S6-4
and 900MG/S4-4×9MS/S6-16 showed
significant negative SCA effects. Although none of the crosses had
significant desired SCA effects, four crosses viz. 900MG/S4-4×9MS/S6-16,
900MG/S4-12×9MS/S6-4, 900MG/S4-12×9MS/S6-5
and 900MG/S4-22×9MS/S6-4 had higher yield with positive
SCA.
Key
words: Maize, combining ability, crosses,
