Abstract

The present investigation was conducted at Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during 2010. The experimental material consisting of 45 F1s, their 18 parents and three standard checks (HQPM-1, HM-5 and Gujarat Makai-2) was grown in a randomized block design with three replications. The hybrids were evaluated to know the extent of heterosis and combining ability for grain yield per plant, yield contributing characters and oil content in maize. Considerable variability existed among the genotypes for all the characters studied as observed from the significant mean squares’ due to genotypes. Combining ability analysis showed the predominant role of non-additive gene action for all the characters studied. The lines I-07-10-1 1-07-56-4 and tester CLQ-30 were found to be good general combiners for grain yield per plant. Crosses 1-07-7-4 × CLQ-30, 1-07-8-6 × CLQ-30 and 1-07-57-5 × HKI-163 revealed high specific combining ability effects for grain yield per plant. The hybrids I-07-10-1 × HKI-163, I-07-8-6 × CLQ-30 and 1-07-7-4 × CLQ-30 were identified as superior hybrids as these recorded high percentage of relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for grain yield per plant along with other characters. These hybrids were identified as potential hybrids for widespread cultivation and commercial exploitation.