Genetic Analysis of Heterosis and some Genetic Parameters of Half Diallel Crosses in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Abstract Ten genotypes (Gimbson, Saganto, DK 6050, Agr-183, ZM47W, CML494, IK58, ZP505, ZP670 and ZP197) of maize crop were used in this study. They were introduced into half diallel crosses, and the parents and crosses were planted in an agricultural field in Kirkuk Governorate using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were recorded for traits (number of ears plant-1, ears length, ear diameter, number of rows ear-1, number of kernels row-1, number of kernels ear-1, weight of 300 kernels, and plant yield). Analysis of variance showed that the mean squares of (genotypes), (parents), (crosses) and (parents vs crosses) were significant at the probability level (1%) for traits under study, which are all traits except for ears length, number of rows ear-1 traits did not reach the level of statistical significance. It is also noted that the degree of heritability in the broad and narrow sense of all traits was high but expected genetic Advance values for the studied traits were low in the traits (number of ears plant-1 and ears length), and medium in ear diameter, and high in traits (number of rows ear-1, number of kernels row-1, number of rows ear-1, weight of 300 kernels and plant yield). Showed heterosis compared as a mean parent as a percentage that superior crosses (1×8), (2×9), and (2×10) in seven traits: (number of ears plant-1, ears length, number of rows ear-1, number of kernels ear-1, number of kernels ear-1, weight of 300 kernels, and plant yield). Showed Heterobeltiosis compared as a Beter parent as a percentage for most hybrids and in all traits, as crosses excelled (7×10) in traits (ears length, number of rows ear-1, number of kernels row-1, number of kernels row-1, weight of 300 kernels and plant yield).