Variability studies of quantitative characters in Maize (Zea mays L.)

  • B. Bharathiveeramani, M. Prakash and A.Seetharam
Keywords: Maize, variability, heritability, genetic advance

Abstract

One hundred and forty four maize inbreds were evaluated for 15 different quantitative characters. Analysis of variance and
the phentotypic range showed the availability of considerable variation for all the characters studied. The difference
between PCV and GCV was very low for all the characters except Anthesis - Silking interval, cob yield/plant and grain
yield/plant which showed that there was very little environmental effect on these characters. Anthesis-silking interval
recorded high PCV, GCV, heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean. Characters such as grain yield/plant, cob
yield/plant and ear height showed comparatively moderate PCV and GCV values, moderate to high heritability with
moderate genetic gain. This shows the presence of considerable variation among the inbreds for these traits and the
possibilities of improvement in these characters through selection. Days to 50% tasseling, days to 50% silking and number
of leaves/plant showed low PCV, GCV and GA with very high heritability suggesting that there is very little scope for
improving these characters by selection.
Published
31-12-2012
How to Cite
B. Bharathiveeramani, M. Prakash and A.Seetharam
Variability studies of quantitative characters in Maize Zea mays L.. 2012. Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding, 3 4, 995 - 997. Retrieved from https://ejplantbreeding.org/index.php/EJPB/article/view/429
Section
Research Note